PlantLife Online

Answer

Unfortunately palm trees cannot be cut back to encourage new growth. Palms have one growing point from the center of the crown known as the spear leaf once the spear leaf has died there is nothing to do but removal. To be sure the plant has in fact died you would need to look in the center of the crown for any green signs of life. If plant is too tall to do this safely take a look at the roots by digging down around the base of the palm healthy roots are about 1/4 inch in diameter and are bright white. Additionally if the top of the canopy is completely collapsed from the center out the tree is most likely dead.