[Arid_gardener] Re: Palms: Pruning

[Olin Miller]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <jsimue at cox.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:13 AM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> Sue
> 85382
> jsimue at cox.net
>
> What is the proper time of year to prune palm trees? These are mature
> palms and we want to keep them healthy. Thank you!
=========================================

Since only dead fronds are pruned, time of year isn't important.  Some
guidelines from:
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1021.pdf

Pruning

"The pruning requirements of palms vary from species to
species. As new foliage is produced from the terminal bud
at the top of the crown, the lower and older leaves (fronds)
gradually turn brown and die. If left alone, these
eventually fall off, some sooner than others. Pruning of
palms can keep them looking tidy, but pruning too high up
or too close on the trunk can cause damage, disease, water
uptake problems, or trunk constriction.

In some cases, old dead leaves persist for a long time to
form a thatch or “shag” or “skirt” which may be
considered attractive in large scale situations. A thatch of
dry leaves is left on the Fan Palms by those who feel that
this is part of the character of the trees. Those who consider
the dead leaves objectionable have them removed each
year.

In any case, green leaves should not be removed. Do
not prune up beyond the horizontal since this exposes
tender tissues and may lead to disease, bud damage,
splitting or constriction of the trunk (called “pencil
pointing”). Palms that have been pruned too close often
break in winds. Typically the leaf bases are allowed to stay
until they are completely dry, thus easier to cut off. The old
leaf bases on California and Mexican Fan palms or
Mediterranean Fans can be cut off with a sharp linoleum
knife. Shaving or skinning trunks is unnecessary and may
cause wounds that allow entry of insects or disease."

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ