Canary Island Date Palm Care

[Jawn]

Hello Palm Experts!

We have a mature canary island date palm in CA, which we love.  We prefer to keep the "boots" around the trunk, but recently squirrels have nested in the tree, and I think they have been the cause of a large section of "boots" that are approx. 2/3 up the trunk from the base falling off.  See red circled area in attached pic.

Now we have to decide whether to have the rest of the "boots" removed.  A tree care guy recommended today that I have him remove the rest of the "boots" for better appearance.  But he said to make the trunk look presentable he'll then have to chain saw around the perimeter of the entire trunk to remove all remnants of the "boots."

Does this sound correct?  It sounds like that may create some additional appearance or health issues for the palm.

There is no safety issue with respect to letting the "boots" just occasionally fall off by themselves b/c they fall into a shrub-enclosed area of our yard with no pedestrian access.

Also, is there a simple way to prevent rodents from climbing the trunk?  Do we have to remove all the "boots" to implement that rodent barrier?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Harry’s Palms]

Squirrels can climb the trunk even without the leaf bases. Nesting would be non existent . The tree would not be impacted , most of the ones down here in Southern California that have been cleaned are just as healthy as the others. I have a similar situation going on with my Butia , the leaf bases are similar and the Squirrels love the fruit! No nesting but plenty of volunteer plants grow there  and setting roots around the trunk. I think it is a matter of aesthetic preference . Harry

‘This shrub made a home in the leaf bases of my Butia Oderata . It took a bit of work to remove it and I ended up removing some of the boots to cut the roots of the volunteer. I just don’t have the proper tools or experience to smooth the entire trunk . I’m sure it would look great , and if they come off easily , I will remove them . Harry