Q: I have a Mexican palm that is about 25 feet high and still growing. Is there any way to slow it down or stop it from growing? Also it is 6 feet from an in-ground pool and 2 feet from brick wall.

A reader surprised me with an inquiry about a mature Mexican fan palm dying suddenly here in Napa. A possible cause came to mind, as I saw one dying of a fairly common disease — pink rot — a few years ...