Palm trees differ from other trees because new fronds get their energy from the mature fronds and boots. They do not branch nor do they store anything but emergency power in the trunk.
Trimming a palm tree should be done under the watch of an experienced aid.
Assess which fronds need to go and why. Before trimming any fronds diagnose the cause of the tree’s problems.
Reasons to prune a palm include:
Figure out what’s ailing the tree before trimming any fronds.
^ Loose fronds threaten humans or structure if they fall
^ Remove fronds that host scorpions, rats, or roaches
^ Comply with codes for site lines, sign visibility and fire damage
Some species such as date palms, have sharp spines that are dangerous.
You should visualize your palm having an oval shape at the crown, when you are done.
Use a bucket, ladder or scaffold instead of climbing the tree with spikes. Spikes create wounds in palm bark allowing in fusarium wilt causing frond yellowing and leaf loss from tree to tree.
Removing loose petioles by hand, which are the stems connecting the frond to the trunk, will safeguard pedestrians. If the petiole won’t budge then it doesn’t need to be removed.
Cutting organic material from a fusarium infected palm, chainsaw or trimming shears need to be detoxified in a 50 percent bleach, 50 percent water mixture for more then five minutes.
Mature fronds nurture fronds via older, dying ones. Let yellowing fronds fall on their own as that preserves energy for the rest of the leaf canopy.
When pruning leave at least two rows of mature fronds. Also keep in mind you should never:
^ Severe pruning puts the palm into survival mode
^ Never take off more then one year’s growth
^ The trunk will shrink if tree trimming pruning is too much
Palms are not efficient trees. After all they live in tree paradise like Tampa Florida with tropical climates, abundant sun and warm winters. They have no need to store energy! So removing even one frond can jeopardize the whole palm tree system.
Matt Johnson publishes Ask An Arborist which helps you find Tampa Florida arborist info for you Gulf Coast tree lovers. Check out our general palm tree care article for more.