Sylvester Palm distress
 

Does anyone know what this is and how to treat it?

What do you mean by "distress"?

Try google :024: One of many hits -
Sylvester Palm

You can also talk to a Master Gardener, Fridays 9am to 3 PM at the Pinellas Library. They should be able to answer all your questions. I would take photos of the palms for them to look at.

Tried to post photos but they were too big evidently. the bark was being forced away from the center by what looked like long blonde alien fingers tightly packed and pointing upwards (how is that for a photo?). My lovely wife went to a palm nursery and found an expert who looked at the photos and remarked that it was natural and some Sylvesters did this and some didn't. She said not to worry.

Yes. It is not pretty, but mine is doing the same thing.

Mine has the bark loosened and pushed off about 3 feet from the bottom all around the trunk. Those fingers are most likely roots. I, too, was told this is normal.

Thank God. I thought my beautiful, huge palm was dying. I'll try to remember to post a picture.

4/24 You can't tell from the pictures but the bottom pieces have pulled away from the trunk & splay out, like a skirt.

Sylvester palm picture posted
 

Here is the photo

Thank you for the link. You cited an excellent source for us.

Also in this thread villagetinker has suggested the Master Gardener clinics. That is a great idea for anyone trying to understand their Florida plants.

I think there is still a regularly scheduled presentation at Colony for those new to Florida gardening. The Daily Sun will have the info on all these times and places. We Villagers sure have excellent access to all kinds of free information from real experts through the extension.

I have seen many Silvestri Palms, that are maturing, do this. I have 2 large Robellini palms and they are also doing the same thing. I think it's common for palm trees to put out air roots as they mature.

There is one pic posted & it shows it very clearly. Never seen a Sylvester like that. I have a Sylvester and so far it doesn't have the issue. Fingers crossed.

Need someone who really knows what they are doing to trim Palms clean out branches and fruit.
Any suggestions?