[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[sangriansand at cox.net]

85248
sangriansand at cox.net

Hi,

I'm not sure if this e mail is still active or if I've reached the right area.  Perhaps a respondent will be able to re-direct me. 

HIstory
Have owned home for 5 years (relocated from MN). Home is 7 years old so I assume the palms have been there for 7 years.
2 queen palms poolside.  
1 has never really grown in fact fell over the 1st year here.  Propped it up, and had it planted deeper - no change.  Doesn't die but doesn't grow either. 
Larger queen seemed to be doing OK.  Last year (2005) started growing some 'pods' where small banana shaped flowers emerged.  Doing more of it again this year and seems to be doing more of that than growing new branches.  
Trunk trimming lines are horizontal - in other words we don't trim abuse. There are several large trunk pieces that are dry and could probably be easily trimmed - have read that is not the right thing to do.  Worry about infestation from over trimming. 
Last year after the first banana flowers emerged we did plant spikes to offer manganese replenishment.  
Watering is twice a week for about 90 minutes - bubbler 1G/hour. 
Bubbler is next to bottom of trunk.  Ground is not moist. 

Questions???
Has the palm reached it's maturity in this environment and needs to be replaced? 
Is there something missing in the soil?
What is causing these unsightly and lingering 'banana flower pods'?  
Should they be trimmed? 
Should the trunk be trimmed more?  It is not attractive as it is.  

If we can't get the queen palms to survive in this climate, what are other palm trees that will offer minimal shade and are mostly for appearance?

Thanks