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Trimming Palms

Kathryn

By Kathryn
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

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Kathryn Veteran

Kathryn

Posted
Posted

Some people think that removing leaves makes a palm grow taller faster, but this is only an illusion. The palm looks taller right after leaves are removed, but its growth is actually stunted.

Plants convert light, carbon dioxide and water into energy. Most of this energy is stored in the leaves. Removing green leaves deprives a plant of energy. For the healthiest palm, only remove brown leaves.

When I planted the seven-gallon triple Livistona chinensis (Chinese Fan Palm) in April 2002 (Picture 1), I was envious of others that were growing in my neighborhood that already had over a foot of trunk. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of the others at that time.

I never trimmed a green leaf from these until I needed to work in the bed in April 2006. Today, my triple palms (Picture 2) are much bigger and healthier than the others (Picture 3). My palms are approximately 30 feet (9 meters) tall overall, where as the others are only 8 to 10 feet (3 meters) tall.

post-158-1238941029_thumb.jpg post-158-1238942085_thumb.jpg post-158-1238944893_thumb.jpg

Kris Grand Master

Kris

Posted
Posted

Dear Kate :)

Thanks for those nice illusrtations & your time,to prove your point...that overtrimming is not healthy for palms.And piety that most of the phoenix species are overtrimmed for their looks(pineapple look) especially in california & florida.

Love,

Kris :)

love conquers all..

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gsn Veteran

gsn

Posted
Posted

Kathryn,

I could agree more!

The most abused and OVER TRIMMED palm I see around here in central Florida is the Phoenix roebelenii (pygmy date palm).

People seem to want to trim this palm to death.

And as a result the crown keeps getting smaller, sparser, fronds keep getting shorter, it is a never ending cycle. All because the palm doesn't get enough food from the green, food producing fronds that were cut off prematurely!

rant over!

Scott

Titusville, FL

1/2 mile from the Indian River

USDA Zone COLD

Scott Mentor

Scott

Posted
Posted
Dear Kate :)

Thanks for those nice illusrtations & your time,to prove your point...that overtrimming is not healthy for palms.And piety that most of the phoenix species are overtrimmed for their looks(pineapple look) especially in california & florida.

Love,

Kris :)

Kris - I agree about the 'pineapple' look. My first impression is... why do that? It couldn't possibly be healthy for the palm and so much of it's beauty has been removed. I like a 'full' phoenix.

  • Upvote 1

Scott

San Fernando Valley, California

Sunset Climate Zone 18

  • 9 months later...
DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

It's best to be conservative when it comes to trimming, if in doubt.

I usually only cut off leaves when they're really brown and dead, and don't remove them when they're yellowing or browning, and I never EVER just cut off a bunch of leaves to avoid having to "trim" later.

Trim too much and palms turn into pencil-necked geeks . . . .

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Natureguy Enthusiast

Natureguy

Posted
Posted

Kathryn,

I know this is an old thread, but thanks for the pictures! It is great to see how certain palms grow. I was just reading an article about palm growth and how relative it is and variable even within the same species. That Livistona is stunning!! You obviously take great care of your plants! WONDERFUL! I have been thinking about getting this palm and now I know that I will and I have a good idea of where it will be in a few short years!

Bob

  • 4 weeks later...
BS Man about Palms Grand Master

BS Man about Palms

Posted
Posted

ty

This makes the second time I've seen this response. So I have come to the conclusion it was not a mistake when posted.

For those of us old guys not in the know, I wonder if it means "Thank You"??

Someday I guess our communication will just be disconnected letters, not even words....:unsure:

  • Upvote 1

Zone 10a at best after 2007 AND 2013, on SW facing hill, 1 1/2 miles from coast in Oceanside, CA. 30-98 degrees, and 45-80deg. about 95% of the time.

"The great workman of nature is time."   ,  "Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience."

-George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon-

I do some experiments and learning in my garden with palms so you don't have to experience the pain! Look at my old threads to find various observations and tips!

  • 3 weeks later...
FRITO Grand Master

FRITO

Posted
Posted

BS, It does mean "thank you" in internet slang.

YW

(you're welcome) :lol:

Luke

Tallahassee, FL - USDA zone 8b/9a

63" rain annually

January avg 65/40 - July avg 92/73

North Florida Palm Society - http://palmsociety.blogspot.com/

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