Everyone in Tampa owns at least a few palm trees. But unfortunately, most people just don’t know the right way to keep them looking their best. How many times have you seen a shaggy palm tree that looks like it’s growing a beard? Not only is overgrowth unsightly, but it’s a prime candidate for pests or even fire! Proper palm tree trimming services is essential to promoting better health. And for all other concerns, you can always call Tampa Tree Service for the best care around!
Don’t Prune Too Much
Unlike other tree species, palm trees grow better when you don’t prune them often. In fact, over pruning will wind up causing the opposite effect! If a palm frond is green, it needs to remain on the tree. Even if it appears out of place or messy, that’s part of the charm of owning a palm tree. Remove green fronds will result in lost nutrients and may even send the tree into shock. Instead, try and avoid pruning and trimming, except for when you have an extensive collection of dead material.
Wait Until It’s Needed
While you could remove dead fronds as they happen, it’s usually a better idea to cut them all off at once. However, dead fronds may be a sign that there are other concerns. For instance, if you notice yellow spotting on your otherwise healthy fronds, they may not be receiving enough potassium. Before removing the brown dying fronds, you may want to consider using the correct fertilizer. Otherwise, you’re only removing dead fronds from a sick tree. Before you start trimming, it’s a better use of time and resources to balance the soil composition.
Wear Complete Safety Equipment
You’re going to want to cover as much of your exposed skin as possible completely. That includes wearing safety goggles, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, and likely protective gloves and hats. Most people only see palms and their fronds as large plants. However, removing their fronds releases spores that are like getting fiberglass on yourself. Unless you want to spend the rest of the day itching and scratching, you’ll want to cover up. Try and avoid wiping your forehead on your sleeves, as they likely are coated in spores during the palm tree cutting process.
Ensure You Have All the Tools
Most tree trimming pruning can get completed with just a set of sheers. However, palm trees are not your average plant. While you’ll want pruning sheers, there are other necessary equipment pieces as well. A handheld serrated landscape knife, a pruning saw and extension pole, and even a chainsaw are essential for better results. Finally, you’ll need at minimum a ladder that can reach. Although, professional companies have safety harnesses that allow them to climb the tree, supporting their weight against the trunk as they trim fronds.
Of course, the safest way to trim palm trees is allowing the team at Tampa Tree Service to help. We provide the best quality trim safely, all at affordable pricing!
