As with all of the trees and shrubs in your yard, the time might arrive that you wonder, “Do I need to trim that palm tree?” Perhaps it’s sagging, looking overgrown, or some of the fronds have broken. Or, maybe the tree has grown too large or close to the house. It’s a fire hazard, or it’s blocking your view. In some cases, dead fronds provide the perfect hiding space for scorpions and other pests, and you certainly don’t want that!
First, keep in mind that there are good reasons and bad reasons for trimming a palm tree. The above motivations could be considered reasonable ones. But if you think that trimming the tree will rejuvenate it or spur new growth, you should put down the pruning shears. Palm trees don’t rejuvenate like many other trees and shrubs; pruning won’t make them grow faster or healthier, and if not done correctly, it can ruin your tree.
Having said that, let’s assume you do need to trim your palm trees for one of the “good” reasons listed above. What now?
If you’re going to try and do it yourself, keep these things in mind…
First, remember to protect yourself. Wear safety glasses, gloves, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Don’t attempt to use any equipment if you don’t feel completely comfortable with it. Tree trimming comes with a level of inherent danger.
Use sharp pruning shears or a saw to remove any dead, wilting, or diseased fronds from the tree. Make sure not to remove any green fronds, especially those that are growing horizontally or up, because loss of healthy fronds will stress the tree.
Leave plenty of healthy, green fronds on the tree. These produce food for the tree, so that it can stay healthy and grow. Resist the urge to skin the trunks or prune your palm trees into a particular shape. This might seem like a fun idea at the time, but over-pruning a palm tree can cause loss.
Of course, you can avoid all of the hassle and inconvenient of trimming your own trees but simply giving us a call. Our team of experienced professionals will give your yard and trees the care they need at a price you can afford! Give us a call or send us a message via our website. We’ll gladly provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for your trees.
