This Torquay palm
By Cazoo1
Worcestershire,
United Kingdom 
Hi again Hope I have done this correctly,here goes. I asked advice on a sad "Torquay Palm" after it was destroyed during the last harsh winter,so I cut away the soft parts of the trunk as suggested,leaving 4 stumps. I would like,with this photo, to show you how I disguised it during the summer. To our delight as you can maybe see,the palm has started to regenerate itself from the bottom. So now my question is ,when the basket has finished,do I cut the stumps down to ground level,or will this send the new shoots into shock,or do I leave them?? Any advice would be helpful,this palm was in quite a well matured part of the garden. Best Regards
30 Jan, 2011
Answers
Check the trunk from top to bottom for signs of oozing, rotting or sogginess. If you find any, you will have to cut back past that point now. If you don't, leave the plant alone - wait till May or June before cutting it down to give time for any new growth to start - it may appear further down the trunk or stem, or from the base. When you know where it's growing from, cut down the trunk to that point.
30 Jan, 2011
Well, that just proves how much we all need the experts - and that I'm not one! Sorry Carole. Bamboo's advice is the one to go for.
30 Jan, 2011
Your advice was fine, Seabird - doing nothing is often the best option at this time of year - my answer's just a bit more detailed.
30 Jan, 2011
Thanks to you all.Yes Bamboo there is life at the base,so I will leave it alone until spring and look again,if it is still alive I will cut back and restart it. Byeeeeee
30 Jan, 2011
I think this is a 'wait and see' situation. Not much you can do right now other than some fleece protection against further frosts. I understand the 2nd half of February is going to be very cold.
Hope it recovers.
30 Jan, 2011