Bring Back Queen Palm from the Dead

Q. During the excessive hot spell in July our irrigation failed while we were out of town.

As a result, one of our queen palms lost all its branches. In spite of subsequent life support, it does not appear to be coming back. Is that too much to hope for? Is there anything we can do to help it recover or should we just mourn its passing?

Queen palms dead during first winter planted (1989/90) at local casino. Admittedly temperatures hit a 50 year low.

A. Queen palms can handle heat but they struggle with extreme cold (25F) and hot, dry winds. In short, among the approximately ten palms we can grow here, they are not among the “chosen ones”. However, if these plants are water stressed or planted under poor soil conditions then they will not tolerate heat very well either. 

Queen palm fronds from central bud yellowing during new growth

            The only places here where I have seen decent, older queen palms has been in areas protected from wind, the soil prepared adequately with amendments and the use of organic surface mulches. 

Queen palm with yellowing foliage after planting in rock mulch. Probably iron chlorosis and poor soil enrichment at planting.

            Once they are stressed and water is withheld, they will suffer greatly. They need adequate soil preparation at the time of planting, good drainage, protection from winds and low temperatures, an annual fertilization program and organic surface mulches.