Do you have a palm tree to prune? We are here to help you put this into action. While many people think this process is more than simple, it actually takes a lot of prior knowledge to get everything going in the best order. For example, many think that the pruning process accelerates the growth of the palm tree and that it is better to cover as large a region of the tree as possible.
However, you can actually do a lot more damage to your tree than you will help it. That is why it is necessary to educate yourself first, and only then to take action. If you are interested in when and how to prune a palm tree, keep on reading.
When is the best time to prune your palm tree?
Once people notice dead leaves on their palm trees, most take it as a sign that it is necessary to prune the palm tree as soon as possible in order to make the plant look beautiful again. However, it is always advisable to wait with this process until spring.
Although dead leaves do not look aesthetically beautiful, they have its function: to protect young leaves from drying out during hot summer days, as well as from freezing during winter. It may frustrate you for a few months to watch your palm tree like that, but keep in mind that you are doing a good thing for it and that you will only harm it if you remove its protection too soon.
How to properly prune a palm tree?
Prepare all the right tools
Before you take action, it is necessary to prepare tools that will ensure that you perform this task as correctly and quickly as possible, and also to be protected throughout the process. For starters, you need a cutting blade to help you remove any parts that are superfluous on the palm tree. Also, have pruning shears on hand, because, realistically: they always come in handy. Hand saw is another tool that will help you during the pruning palm tree process, as it allows thick, large leaves to be removed. Of course, if you need to climb to a great height (and you certainly will, because the palm trees are usually more than 10 meters tall), have the appropriate protective equipment to prevent injuries. Protective gloves and safety glasses should do the work.
Start pruning
For starters, it is necessary to remove all dead leaves, as well as those that are diseased, wilted or are hanging from a branch. Never prune healthy leaves, although this is something you may get as advice (from someone who has no knowledge of this area, obviously). There is an unfounded belief that pruning healthy palm leaves stimulates its growth, but this is not true. Moreover, removing green, young leaves can significantly damage the plant, and sometimes even prevent it from growing further.
Conclusion:
Pruning a palm tree is not an easy task, but it can go smoothly if you educate yourself in time. Prepare all the necessary tools for this process and start the pruning by eliminating all dead and diseased leaves. It is best to wait for palm pruning until spring, so that the dead leaves can protect the young ones from the sun and winter.