Difference between revisions of "Trim a Palm Tree"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | {{fa}}There is a common misconception when it comes to palm trees. Many think regularly trimming palms will help them grow when in fact just the opposite is true.<ref>http://www.cityofinglewood.org/pdfs/parks/palm_tree_maintenance_tips.pdf</ref> Low maintenance and fuss free, palm trees have become a landscaping staple that actually does better the less they are pruned. Part of the Arecaceae, or Palmae family, the palm tree is a species of mostly tropical plants. While palms are known for their branchless stems and fan-like arrangement of green compound leaves, the more than 2000 species of palms actually exhibit enormous diversity in terms of both appearance and habitat. While you won't need to do it often, it's important to know when and how you should trim your palm trees to keep them healthy and looking their best. | + | {{fa}}There is a common misconception when it comes to palm trees. Many think regularly trimming palms will help them grow when in fact just the opposite is true.<ref name="rf1">http://www.cityofinglewood.org/pdfs/parks/palm_tree_maintenance_tips.pdf</ref> Low maintenance and fuss free, palm trees have become a landscaping staple that actually does better the less they are pruned. Part of the Arecaceae, or Palmae family, the palm tree is a species of mostly tropical plants. While palms are known for their branchless stems and fan-like arrangement of green compound leaves, the more than 2000 species of palms actually exhibit enormous diversity in terms of both appearance and habitat. While you won't need to do it often, it's important to know when and how you should trim your palm trees to keep them healthy and looking their best. |
[[Category:Growing Trees and Shrubs]] | [[Category:Growing Trees and Shrubs]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Evaluating the Health of Your Palm Tree=== | === Evaluating the Health of Your Palm Tree=== | ||
| − | #Determine whether it's time to trim. Though experts recommend avoiding pruning as much as possible, there are some circumstances that call for a trim. Start by determining if you really need to prune. And remember, the less pruning you can do, the better. <ref | + | #Determine whether it's time to trim. Though experts recommend avoiding pruning as much as possible, there are some circumstances that call for a trim. Start by determining if you really need to prune. And remember, the less pruning you can do, the better. <ref name="rf1" /> |
#* Prune to remove dead or dying fronds | #* Prune to remove dead or dying fronds | ||
#* To remove potential fire hazards, especially near buildings or homes | #* To remove potential fire hazards, especially near buildings or homes | ||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
#Determine the health of the palm tree. Unless they are a hazard to people or property, palms only need to be trimmed when fronds (leaves) die or are broken, or when the tree begins to flower or bear fruit. | #Determine the health of the palm tree. Unless they are a hazard to people or property, palms only need to be trimmed when fronds (leaves) die or are broken, or when the tree begins to flower or bear fruit. | ||
#* Look for dead or dying fronds on the tree. Dying fronds appear brownish, yellow or white and are often wilted or hanging down. | #* Look for dead or dying fronds on the tree. Dying fronds appear brownish, yellow or white and are often wilted or hanging down. | ||
| − | #* Look for potassium deficiency in your palm tree. Potassium deficient palms typically have yellow spotting on the oldest leaves. A potassium deficient palm tree should not be trimmed because this would result in additional fronds losing nutrients and turning yellow. If your tree is potassium deficient, supply the tree with additional potassium and wait at least a year to trim.<ref>http://www.florida-palm-trees.com/palm-tree-potassium-deficiency/</ref> | + | #* Look for potassium deficiency in your palm tree. Potassium deficient palms typically have yellow spotting on the oldest leaves. A potassium deficient palm tree should not be trimmed because this would result in additional fronds losing nutrients and turning yellow. If your tree is potassium deficient, supply the tree with additional potassium and wait at least a year to trim.<ref name="rf2">http://www.florida-palm-trees.com/palm-tree-potassium-deficiency/</ref> |
#* Look for broken fronds which should be removed before they are torn off and cause damage to the tree. | #* Look for broken fronds which should be removed before they are torn off and cause damage to the tree. | ||
#* Look for palm flowers and fruit stalks which use up energy and slow the growth of the tree. | #* Look for palm flowers and fruit stalks which use up energy and slow the growth of the tree. | ||
#* If there are no dead or dying fronds, broken fronds, flowers, or fruit stalks, your palm tree doesn't need to be trimmed. | #* If there are no dead or dying fronds, broken fronds, flowers, or fruit stalks, your palm tree doesn't need to be trimmed. | ||
=== Selecting Appropriate Equipment=== | === Selecting Appropriate Equipment=== | ||
| − | #Select pruning equipment. There are a variety of pruning tools that can be used to trim your palm tree. Consider the size of your tree to determine which tool you need.<ref>http://homeguides.sfgate.com/tools-trimming-palm-tree-46075.html</ref> | + | #Select pruning equipment. There are a variety of pruning tools that can be used to trim your palm tree. Consider the size of your tree to determine which tool you need.<ref name="rf3">http://homeguides.sfgate.com/tools-trimming-palm-tree-46075.html</ref> |
#* A serrated knife can be used to cut off fronds that are less than 1 inch in diameter. A knife is also useful for removing flower stalks from the tree. | #* A serrated knife can be used to cut off fronds that are less than 1 inch in diameter. A knife is also useful for removing flower stalks from the tree. | ||
#* Large clippers or pruning sheers can be used to remove fronds slightly larger than 1 inch in diameter. | #* Large clippers or pruning sheers can be used to remove fronds slightly larger than 1 inch in diameter. | ||
#* A hand saw or pruning saw will make it easier to remove thicker, larger fronds from the tree. | #* A hand saw or pruning saw will make it easier to remove thicker, larger fronds from the tree. | ||
#* A chainsaw can be used to cut very large, very thick fronds, but extra precautions should be taken to ensure you don't hurt yourself or the trunk of the tree. | #* A chainsaw can be used to cut very large, very thick fronds, but extra precautions should be taken to ensure you don't hurt yourself or the trunk of the tree. | ||
| − | #Select climbing equipment. Palm trees can grow to be very tall. The equipment you'll need to reach the fronds will depend on the height of your tree.<ref | + | #Select climbing equipment. Palm trees can grow to be very tall. The equipment you'll need to reach the fronds will depend on the height of your tree.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#* Step stools or a small ladder can be used for shorter trees. | #* Step stools or a small ladder can be used for shorter trees. | ||
#* Extension ladders can be used to trim trees up to {{convert|15|ft|m|1}} in height. | #* Extension ladders can be used to trim trees up to {{convert|15|ft|m|1}} in height. | ||
#* A bucket lift or cherry picker should be used to trim very tall trees. | #* A bucket lift or cherry picker should be used to trim very tall trees. | ||
#* Climbing gear should be used by trained professionals only, and climbing spikes or cleats should never be used as they can damage the trunk and spread disease. | #* Climbing gear should be used by trained professionals only, and climbing spikes or cleats should never be used as they can damage the trunk and spread disease. | ||
| − | #Get protective gear. Gardening gloves and safety goggles should be used when trimming your palm.<ref | + | #Get protective gear. Gardening gloves and safety goggles should be used when trimming your palm.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#* Palm fronds usually have very sharp spikes along their edges. Gloves will help protect your hands. | #* Palm fronds usually have very sharp spikes along their edges. Gloves will help protect your hands. | ||
#* Sawing and cutting sends small pieces of debris flying. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. | #* Sawing and cutting sends small pieces of debris flying. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. | ||
| Line 35: | Line 35: | ||
#* Make sure whoever you hire does not use gear that could damage the tree, such as climbing spikes or cleats. | #* Make sure whoever you hire does not use gear that could damage the tree, such as climbing spikes or cleats. | ||
=== Removing Dead or Damaged Leaves=== | === Removing Dead or Damaged Leaves=== | ||
| − | #Sterilize your pruning tools. Pruning tools can spread disease from one tree to another. All of your pruning tools should be sterilized before you begin trimming your tree.<ref>http://baker.ifas.ufl.edu/Horticulture/documents/DisinfectingPruningTools.pdf</ref> | + | #Sterilize your pruning tools. Pruning tools can spread disease from one tree to another. All of your pruning tools should be sterilized before you begin trimming your tree.<ref name="rf4">http://baker.ifas.ufl.edu/Horticulture/documents/DisinfectingPruningTools.pdf</ref> |
#* Wipe any dirt or debris from your pruning gear. | #* Wipe any dirt or debris from your pruning gear. | ||
#* Sterilize the tools by placing them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. | #* Sterilize the tools by placing them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. | ||
| Line 45: | Line 45: | ||
#* Ensure the tree is not being bent, punctured or otherwise damaged by the climbing equipment you are using. If you damage the trunk of your palm while pruning, the tree may not heal. | #* Ensure the tree is not being bent, punctured or otherwise damaged by the climbing equipment you are using. If you damage the trunk of your palm while pruning, the tree may not heal. | ||
#Remove dead or damaged leaves only. Removing healthy fronds robs the tree of important nutrients and can result in slow growth, the spread of disease and the death of the palm. | #Remove dead or damaged leaves only. Removing healthy fronds robs the tree of important nutrients and can result in slow growth, the spread of disease and the death of the palm. | ||
| − | #* Mature fronds are found below the current year's growth. It's important to leave at least two rows (or more) of mature fronds.<ref | + | #* Mature fronds are found below the current year's growth. It's important to leave at least two rows (or more) of mature fronds.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#* Begin at the bottom of the foliage and look for dead, dying or broken fronds. | #* Begin at the bottom of the foliage and look for dead, dying or broken fronds. | ||
#* Use your pruning gear to remove dead or broken fronds from the trunk. Cut each frond at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) from the trunk. Cutting too close to the trunk can damage the tree. | #* Use your pruning gear to remove dead or broken fronds from the trunk. Cut each frond at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) from the trunk. Cutting too close to the trunk can damage the tree. | ||
| − | #* Remove green fronds only if they hang at an angle below a line that is 90 degrees, or parallel. to the ground. Don't prune fronds that are above this horizontal line as it can weaken the tree.<ref>http://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-trim-palm-tree.htm</ref> | + | #* Remove green fronds only if they hang at an angle below a line that is 90 degrees, or parallel. to the ground. Don't prune fronds that are above this horizontal line as it can weaken the tree.<ref name="rf5">http://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-trim-palm-tree.htm</ref> |
#* Never cut off the top, or crown, of the palm. The crown will not grow back and the tree will die. | #* Never cut off the top, or crown, of the palm. The crown will not grow back and the tree will die. | ||
#* You do not need to prune self-cleaning palms such as King palms, Kentia palms, Jubaea palms or Chamadoreas. Their leaves fall off naturally as they die, making trimming unnecessary. If it is only necessary to trim a self-cleaning palm because of potential safety hazards. Trim dead fronds or the oldest fronds only. | #* You do not need to prune self-cleaning palms such as King palms, Kentia palms, Jubaea palms or Chamadoreas. Their leaves fall off naturally as they die, making trimming unnecessary. If it is only necessary to trim a self-cleaning palm because of potential safety hazards. Trim dead fronds or the oldest fronds only. | ||
| Line 68: | Line 68: | ||
*If your palm tree is higher than 20 feet (6.1 m) tall, call an arborist for assistance. | *If your palm tree is higher than 20 feet (6.1 m) tall, call an arborist for assistance. | ||
*If the tree is brownish near the top, this is a good indication that the tree is dying or has a disease. | *If the tree is brownish near the top, this is a good indication that the tree is dying or has a disease. | ||
| − | *Pruning should be performed no more than once a year, if that. Over-pruning can weaken the tree and cause it to snap and die in inclement weather.<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/29/palm-trees-florida-extreme-pruning-peril/5010539/</ref> | + | *Pruning should be performed no more than once a year, if that. Over-pruning can weaken the tree and cause it to snap and die in inclement weather.<ref name="rf6">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/29/palm-trees-florida-extreme-pruning-peril/5010539/</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
