How to trim leaf bases on a giant bird of paradise

[doubravsky]

Ok this question seems silly, but I've seen lots of tall bird of paradise plants that have the leaf bases all trimmed off, but I've had no success doing it. Any tips?

I've tried using a shaped carpet/linoleum kniife to cut across the base which works for queens and other palms that have persistnet leaf bases, but it has not worked. What do I do?

Dave

[Robert]

TRY HIDA TOOL IN BERKLEY CA.,SPECIALIZING IN HIGH QUALITY JAPANESE WOODWORKING AND GARDEN TOOLS, TRY THE SILKY BRAND FOLDING SAW SUPER ACCELL Z1.SINCE IT IS A PULL ACTION SAW YOU CAN HUG THE TRUNK SAFELY WHILE UP ON A LADDER..I USUALLY MAKE TWO CUTS THE FIRST ABOUT 12'' FROM THE TRUNK TO GET THE GET THE BULK OF LEAF OUT OF THE WAY.I MAKE THE SECOND CUT WHERE THE PETIOLE MEETS THE TRUNK... REMEMBER ALWAYS TO PULL...AND.... MAKE SURE TO SECURE THE LADDER TO THE TRUNK BY TYING, ALSO IT HELPS TO HAVE A HELPER ON THE GROUND. PSS COST $36.00 DOLLARS GET THE FINE BLADED ONE AND ORDER THE COURSE BLADE FOR PRUNING TREE LIMBS....ABOUT $20.00 EXTRA....GOOD LUCK....RB

[fastfeat]

Most that have clear trunks have done it mostly on their own with age, much like Washingtonia. I've never really tried to get living, green petioles skinned all the way back to the round trunks. (As long as the petioles are still green, they're supplying photosynthates.)

I suppose if you must remove them, follow Robert's tips above. Nothing's better than an excuse to buy some quality pruning tools.

[doubravsky]

Thanks for the tips!

[MattyB]

Dave,

I helped a friend clean up a huge clump of BOP and we just used a utility knife to circumsize the leaf base from the trunk. If you've done Queen palms the BOP is a lot easier. You might be trying to cut too low. If I remember correctly you have to cut a little higher than you think on these, up towards the petiole and leaves, to get them to release.