Andyandy,I don't know ifyou have David Francke,s book, but he recommends not babying these plants too early.You can apply wilt-pruf anytime, but bundling up the palms and fungicide should come later, like december. It.s my first year too. that washie is a real stretch, but luck with it. I am gradually adding mulch, alittle at a time. first freeze is due saturday night.

Nucci-
I do have the book, I read it last winter so I should freshen up on it. I know the Washy is pushing it but for the 10 bucks I paid for it's worth a try. I'll build my cages and go from there. I guess I was thinking about putting the wilt proof on before the mulch. I do know that I will need to do things earlier for the Robusta as mid 20s are about their limit. knock on wood there is no iminent threat of a freeze here as of yet. That could, however change on a dime. Thank you again for the input.

there is alot of information in that book. It appears you can apply alot of overwintering techniques and they help only marginally,if at all. This will be my second winter with palms in ground and my philosophy will be to keep dry using plastic row covers when needed and will only use the mini-lights when temperatures are slated to go below 5*. Time to toughen up palmy.

Andy you can apply your wilt pruf at any time just make sure its a nice day outside. Read the directions on the label it will tell you when to apply and reapply if necessary.