I know. I guess I really don't know what's happening here. I was asked to remake 3 sprites of a palm tree using the colors from an evergreen.

I think it looks good :) 
It might help to give the top cut area a flat sharp look, instead of a rounded one. 
 

That's not how trees get cut down either!! 

From the samples I was asked to imitate I got the impression that it's supposed to be getting cut down, but growing is definitely a possibility.

Trees still have leaves when they're young! 

"This is your palm tree. There are many like it but this one is yours"