This Christmas Palm was in a container on the property we've been renting. The fine sand it was growing in seemed to be doing more harm than good so we potted up with a new mix sourced via the helpful ppl at JungleMusic.

The tree's a rather old one, and it's prone to shedding. Following a recent drop we noticed this troubling mark/scar down the crown shaft.

Would greatly appreciate some advice/wisdom re the prospects for this poor tree. Would really like to salvage the thing, and I guess I'm hoping the situation isn't utterly dire.

I've been told the intervals along the trunk speak to a history of underwatering and malnutrition, which seems to explain why it tends to shed so many fronds. Have tried to act accordingly (hoping it's not too late). Thing is, it's also been sending out a couple of new spears (one of which has already opened) as well...

Not sure what to make of all this. Since the photos above were taken (about a month ago), another frond fell w/o browning/drying/dying: only the pretty ragged leaf base peeled away and sloughed off the frond.

Sorry for the longish post... but I figured I'd err on the side of thoroughness... and I'd be very grateful if someone in the know could spare the time/effort.