Fusarium

The threat of fusarium

Fusarium is a fungal disease that is threatening the health of palm trees and that includes the all popular canary island date palm. This disease can live inside a tree for years until symptoms begin to occur. It actually kills the palm by cutting off the water supply to the top of the tree and it will be a sure death sentence. If one of your palms ever contracts this fungus, then it must be removed immediately if you have other vulnerable trees on your property that could be at risk of getting it. You must not plant your new palm in the same hole because this fungus can live in the soil for years because it is actually soil borne by nature and the risk of your new palm getting it is very high. The only way to deal with fusarium is to prevent your trees from getting it in the first place. The number one reason for spreading this fatal disease are tree trimmers and The best way to handle this is to not trim your trees unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do have them trimmed then make sure that the cutting tool used is sterilized. If a chain saw is used then always use a new chain and soak all of your accessories including side cover bar ect. For no less than one half an hour with bleach. Also before you sterilize your chain saw be sure to clean all the oil and tree particles first because the fungus can hide in this and bleach is water based. Just remember that prevention is the best cure and that you do have control over the health of your palms.