Finally got the reciprocating saw charged up and did some maintenance work on the big mule. Still learning the technique.

Looking good!

Very nice. And using the tool of palm champions, too.

Wow - thats a big muley

Will it damage the palm to cut the boots flush making more of a clean trunk look?

Chad, I don't think I would want to try as the boots are very tight nearer to the top. I've seen butia scraped pretty close in an attempt to achieve the clean look.....but never successfully.

Here is another mule before and after.

Another close up of the big mule trunk.

Another 10 years you should be able to pull those boots right off.

Thanks, I always wondered

That's a nice mule. I wish I had planted more of the years ago.

Another close up of the big mule trunk.20131119_130320.jpg

looks like a jubaeopsis caffra trunk...

cool!!

Tried a different cut with this one in front .....don't like it. Can't wait until this palm puts out some new growth.....it struggled in the beach sand until construction was finished ....now it is getting the care it deserves.

Do you plan to protect that plumeria?

Dave,

I usually use a chainsaw. Much faster.

Also, as Kathryn mentioned, plant more hybrids if you have room, and do it asap. You wont regret it. I think I have 15 or so mules planted out on my ~2acres along with a few other various butia hybrids. Also, don't hesitate to pick up some of the harder to find hybrids as smaller plants as they will get large within a few years.

BTW, looking good