Palm Tree Butt Rot
 

Those with palm trees may want to check them for butt rot, Ganoderma Butt Rot of Palms. I am seeing more signs as the palms age. Most cases I have seen involve queen palms.

For more info go to PP-54/PP100: Ganoderma Butt Rot of Palms

I have lost two queens so far and the third one will have to be taken down before long. Two just snapped and you could see the rotten interiors low on the wood. These were very large palms when we bought them. They were planted in Jan 2007 and we started losing them around 2010. I really like the queens but decided a few years ago when plants die due to cold, disease, etc, we will not replace it with a like plant.

I've been told, but not sure, that one of the biggest causes of butt rot, is the sprinkler hitting the tree constantly. I don't have Palms, but it was a discussion that came up while playing golf. Lately I have been seeing some Palms that look like they need something quick, in order to get a jolt of energy or something! Do Palm tree roots spread, or are they in a ball?

We had 12 Queens planted in Winter Park in 2005.
10 died and remaining 2 probably will too.
Landscapers know the issues with QP's but still put them in. Money in, money out.
My wife worked part time at Leu Gardens and was told nothing can be done to save them and the disease is air born not sprinklers.

Ganoderma butt rot
 

Ganoderma butt rot is a relatively new and lethal disease of Florida palm trees. It is caused by a fungus, Ganoderma zonatum, which invades the base or butt of palm trees up to a height of three to four feet above the ground. The disease was first discovered in Florida in 1994 and in only a few years it has spread to infect palms throughout the state. At this time, it cannot be said with certainty that there are any palm trees resistant to ganoderma butt rot.

The ganoderma zonatum fungus most often invades a palm tree by means of a wound at the base of the tree. The fungus then begins to rapidly work its way through the tree’s butt area essentially rotting the wood. Once the fungus has worked its way through the centre of the tree to the surface, it forms a fruiting body called a ‘conk’, a spongy, whitish mushroom-like growth which grows to form a horizontal disc extending out from the bark.
Treatment

Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for ganoderma butt rot. By the time the conk has appeared on the bark, the tree is effectively dead and must be removed. While the wood above the butt area can be safely mulched, use extreme care when disposing of the butt wood in order to avoid spreading the fungus to other palms. Wrap the wood in plastic and dispose of it by incineration or take it to a landfill. Sterilize all tools and even be careful with clothing and gloves.


While there is no sure-fire way of preventing ganoderma butt rot infestation, the danger can be reduced by avoiding injuring the trunks of the palm trees on your property. Be especially careful when using lawnmowers and other gardening implements. Should you suspect a ganoderma butt rot infestation on your property, consult with your local forestry officials for information and advice.


Ganoderma Butt Rot Information from TreeHelp

While googling this, I found it is affecting ALL the palms in Florida as well as Oaks....

Don't you just hate when that happens?!:eek:

Palm Tree Butt Rot.
 

Is it contagious?

I think I may have it.

I knew someone would go there !

In answer to an earlier question,

I was originally told palm roots grow in a ball, but in doing online research about proper fertilization, I discovered that (over time) palm roots spread like other trees and extend out to the tree canopy line, sometimes beyond. I learned I should spread the palm fertilizer accordingly.

Here is what looks like butt rot.

That looks like a lot of money going down the old drain.:sad:

It is. Pay for 12 trees plus labor to install. Watch them grow then watch them die and then pay to have them removed and the stump ground out.
Why anybody would plant these after finding this out is beyond me and we have told neighbors that are new to FL.

Now, if only the Landscapers would tell you that?

The words butt rot make me want to laugh, how incongruous of me, when you are losing your trees. I didn't know trees had butts.

If people get it, they should call on Dr. Charlie Han.

And his upside down chair.