Can I remove a limb from a multi-limb robellini palm tree?

[GaryB]

I have what I believe is an odd robellini palm tree that somehow grew three limbs from the main trunk (see image). I've never seen that before. How does it happen? 

Anyway,  my main concern is the limb on the left is hanging way over my pool creating too much shade and I'm afraid the weight may tumble the whole tree at some point.

Is it possible to have the leftmost limb (arm) removed without killing the whole tree? How should it be done? In stages (maybe remove all the green fronds first, then sever the limb)? How long to wait between each removal stage? How close should the cut be to the main trunk?

[Jim in Los Altos]

Yes, you can remove the entire limb, leaves and all, without hurting the rest of the palm. Make the cut right where the offending limb meets with the main trunk. It’s unusual to see multiple branching like that on Phoenix roebelenii but not unheard of. 

[GaryB]

Thank you very much for your reply and helpful information. 

[happypalms]

What a beautiful palm if it was mine I would leave it! In a collectors world that palm is wanted. Be a shame to remove it, but it can be done not a problem, maybe get some tar paint the stuff the arborists use to seal the wound. And it will look like a professional job done well. 

[GaryB]

I know it is a very nice specimen. I'll probably leave it as is for now. I have no intention of removing the tree entirely. It is at least 30 years old. I just needed to know what my options are for removing one limb to make it better fit the space while keeping in my yard. 

[JohnAndSancho]

I think it looks awesome. But I'm a big fan of weird bendy stuff. 

[happypalms]

3 hours ago, GaryB said:

I know it is a very nice specimen. I'll probably leave it as is for now. I have no intention of removing the tree entirely. It is at least 30 years old. I just needed to know what my options are for removing one limb to make it better fit the space while keeping in my yard. 

You can do some sort propping up. Or place an anchor behind it and get a fancy looking ratchet system or something that looks ohhh la la and brace it. Iam sure if it was the last palm standing in the planet the exsperts would be called in and job done asapin neat tidy manner. But you can’t cut it off please it’s a real botanical specimen and rare one at that. If @palmtreesforpleasure saw that he would be saving it for some botanical garden in the world. Love your work Mr Wilson. 

[iDesign]

8 hours ago, happypalms said:

You can do some sort propping up. Or place an anchor behind it and get a fancy looking ratchet system or something that looks ohhh la la and brace it.

I like the idea of propping it up, if that’s doable. Pygmy dates often start to lean over time, and you might end up losing it anyway as the lean worsens. I actually have a leaning Pygmy myself that I’d like to keep. My husband (half-jokingly) suggested putting a giant Tiki under it for support! I’ve been meaning to look into ways to prop it up, though like you, we may just end up trimming off the lowest branch.

[Darold Petty]

Any wound into living tissue should by dusted with a heavy coat of powdered sulfur.  This is a preventative against infection by fungi or bacteria, it is cheap and non-toxic, and is the best insurance against loss of the entire plant.

[GaryB]

10 hours ago, JohnAndSancho said:

I think it looks awesome. But I'm a big fan of weird bendy stuff. 

Me too!

[GaryB]

6 minutes ago, Darold Petty said:

Any wound into living tissue should by dusted with a heavy coat of powdered sulfur.  This is a preventative against infection by fungi or bacteria, it is cheap and non-toxic, and is the best insurance against loss of the entire plant.

Good idea. Thanks. 

[GaryB]

12 minutes ago, iDesign said:

I like the idea of propping it up, if that’s doable. Pygmy dates often start to lean over time, and you might end up losing it anyway as the lean worsens. I actually have a leaning Pygmy myself that I’d like to keep. My husband (half-jokingly) suggested putting a giant Tiki under it for support! I’ve been meaning to look into ways to prop it up, though like you, we may just end up trimming off the lowest branch.

I may be able to strap it to the back block wall. 

[iDesign]

1 hour ago, GaryB said:

I may be able to strap it to the back block wall. 

Here's my leaning one for comparison (currently sitting on some construction material). Mine is likely a goner, but if you can correct yours that would be worth trying (since it's such a cool-looking specimen).

Here is a page where some Palmtalkers were discussing correcting a leaning pygmy...

 

[SeanK]

To prop it, try a large rock or a park bench.

You might try root cutting on the lean-to side. Then strap a 2x6 on that side and pull it vertical as @happypalms suggested. Finally anchor it vertical for a year or so until the roots regrow.

[happypalms]

7 hours ago, iDesign said:

I like the idea of propping it up, if that’s doable. Pygmy dates often start to lean over time, and you might end up losing it anyway as the lean worsens. I actually have a leaning Pygmy myself that I’d like to keep. My husband (half-jokingly) suggested putting a giant Tiki under it for support! I’ve been meaning to look into ways to prop it up, though like you, we may just end up trimming off the lowest branch.

If anything I would encourage it to lean over and then grow upwards. I have two in my garden doing the same then growing back up, it’s sort of that tropical island feel. 

[Harry’s Palms]

I’ve seen a few multi headed Roebelini . They are very cool but some lean and becomes problematic. Propping them up with a crutch seems to be the best solution. The weight of the palm with multiple heads is more than they are meant to handle . The other option I’ve seen is a cable anchored to a secure wall . Harry

[GaryB]

I really like the look of the three-headed Roebelini. Due to its position over a swimming pool, a crutch isn't feasible. However, I may be able to rig up a sling anchored to the block wall behind. I can keep the left limb trimmed a little more (not too much) to prevent branches from obstructing pool use.

[palmtreesforpleasure]

Some palms when they get damaged trunks will grow limbs. I have seen this on Hedyscepe as well. It can happen after lightning srike nearby for example.

I would sell the triple and replace it for less with an advanced single trunk one

Regards

Colin

[GaryB]

That may explain how this palm branched out, but can't confirm since it has been this three-arm specimen since before I moved in. 

[happypalms]

I have seen a twin headed Howea fosteriana and was with a very knowledgeable palm nut, and he said lightning was most likely the cause! 

[Mishaq]

you might be able to air layer it if you have the patience. I can send resources on air layering date palms if this interests you

[TropicsEnjoyer]

I would look into propping it up rather than chopping it. That palm is a rare specimen and would not surprise me if it was worth a thousand or more. If it really causes that much of an issue I would consider digging it up and moving it or selling it to just replace it with some normal pygmy dates. 

[GaryB]

Thanks. I will try to use a strap anchored to the wall behind it to provide support. I can't put a prop pole in front since it is close to the edge of a planter and hanging over my pool.