Hi, I have a long-established palm tree in my garden in Mount hawthorn, WA. I believe it's an Alexander Palm. It's lost the bark on one side (west-facing), and it's been like that for years. It doesn't appear to have any other significant issues, other than the branches/leaves have always looked a bit sorry. A gardener came round many years ago and though it might be frizzled top, and require nutrients, but that was before I noticed the lost bark on the one side, so I don't know if that diagnosis would explain it. I've been topping it up with trace elements every year since. Anyone have any ideas on what might be causing the bark to strip and not grow back?
This kind of query is almost impossible to diagnose remotely as there are so many environmental conditions that could be contributing to the plant problem. This does sound like it needs addressing so my suggestion is to contact an arborist and have them come to inspect it. It will cost you money for the visit but it may save the longer life of the tree.