The Foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) an Australian native, is adaptable and fast-growing. It is a very attractive palm with long 2-3 metre plumose leaves, hence the name ‘Foxtail’. They grow to 10m tall and produce large orange fruit.
We received a call from a couple who had just purchased a duplex at Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast. They were concerned about one of their Foxtail Palms as it had snapped in half. They had undertaken a self-diagnostic test on the palm and discovered cane beetle throughout, hence their call to Tree Essence Arborists.
We inspected the tree plus the 4 other Foxtail Palms on the property and found the same result. They were all infected with cane beetle. Our first process on all 4 palms that were standing was to do a soil injection. This is a simple and fairly common process of delivering pesticide or chemical fertiliser into a tree through the root zone. The injected material is absorbed by the root’s branches and eventually reaches the canopy. We also did a biological insecticide foliage spray and added micronutrients and trace elements to build up the health of the trees, to resist any other diseases. The team at Tree Essence are committed to using products that are safe to humans and safe to the environment. We then proceeded to remove the 5th palm that had snapped in half as it was not salvageable.
The owners of this property were very happy with the outcome and knowing that their neighbours were also new to Mermaid Beach, suggested that they get Tree Essence to do an inspection of their palms as well to be on the safe side.
These Foxtail Palms could possibly have been transported from North Queensland with the cane beetle in them. We suggest that if you are sourcing new trees, plants or vegetables for your garden, ensure you go to a good quality farm to eliminate the possibility of diseases.
For all your tree removal Gold Coast needs including tree trimming, tree lopping and other arborist services, Tree Essence is the business to trust. Call the dedicated team at Tree Essence on 1300 487 333. We have a true passion for tree care and pride ourselves on working with the local community on the Gold Coast and Byron regions.
