Dying palm trees

[alcanadakid]

Hi Alcanadakid it isn't the pine trees that are infected it's the palm trees.

You are quite right Sparky, they are Date Palms which this weevil attacks. Hence the problem with my date tree which is not a palm. On researching the internet I realize that this weevil is a BIG problem, and could wipe out all the palms in Spain. The weevil also attacks other plants and could be responsible for killing the geraniums. There is a lot of research being done and there is even a professor of Red Weevils at the Saudi University. Unfortunately there is not an easy solution as you only know you have a problem when it is too late.

 

[Sparky]

Exactly Alcanadakid, i also read that when they prune the trees in spring, the sap that is released attracts the weevil.
I am afraid that most of the palms in the square look quite sick .

 

[star81]

Palm Tree Bugs

Wen we were out in November I am sure there was an article in the Daily Bulletin about this and how it was a problem in Pollensa. So presumably it is just spreading everywhere and very rapidly. Very sad.

 

[kate1]

All is not entirely lost - I have been advised that there is a preventative treatment which can help protect a healthy tree - it's some sort of chemical compound. There is quite a lot of info online. Apparently also it is not always essential to cut the entire tree down - if it is only mildly affected it is sometimes possible to cut the diseased part out, depending on which part of the tree has been affected. If the mid to lower part of the trunk is affected it is best to remove the tree as the infestation obviously eats away at the trunk and they have been known to come crashing down on houses. As previous posters have mentioned it is crucial not to prune your trees at the moment so the smell of fresh sap does not attract the little blighters.

 

[eleanor]

Today was a worrying day. We waited for a telephone call to let us know the fate of our 90 year old palm tree. We were aware that some in Gommar had already met their maker. I pray I'm not tempting fate by telling you all that at the moment our tree is fit and well - thankfully! We have been told that should the worst happen the cost to cut and remove in plastic and then burn will be approx 3000 euros!!!
Fingers, toes, legs and anything else I can cross is crossed!!

 

[ray]

so they want you to cross their palm with 3000 pieces of silver! good luck with the tree

 

[eleanor]

Good one Ray! lol Thanks for the good wishes.

 

[Smiddy]

Having just got back i must say i was so disappointed to see little stubs were some of my favourite palm trees once existed, it's not devestation but when you do go over there's no doubt one of your favourites will have gone. Sad, as i always equate palm trees with the Med.