Palm trees are one of the most decorative and unique trees that you'll find in the warmer, more tropical climates. When properly cared for, these trees can be beautiful and full of foliage. However, knowing how to care for them isn't always easy. That's probably why you're here. If it is, then you're in the right place. This site is dedicated to the care and maintenance of all sorts of trees, including tropical varieties like palm trees. The information on this page can help you to understand which of the basic care steps you can do yourself and which steps are best done by a local tree service.
Same Peterson
Tree pruning isn't just about a tree's health. An annual late winter or spring tree trimming will also ensure your landscape trees pose no safety hazards on your property.
1. Reduce Deadfall Concerns
Dead or damaged branches are more likely to break off, either during a storm or simply from their own weight. When the deadfall comes crashing down, it can damage healthy branches in the crown, or worse, cause injury or damage to anyone or anything unfortunate enough to be underneath the branch. Your tree service will cut out dead and dangerous branches to mitigate deadfall risk.
2. Mitigate Blow-down Risk
An overgrown crown, especially one that is denser on one side, is a blow-down risk. The tree can become top-heavy if the crown weight is more than the roots can support. Uneven weight in the crown can also lead to a leaning tree, which is more likely to fall. Annual pruning reduces and balances crown weight, thus minimizing the chances of a blow-down.
3. Protect Nearby Structures
Tree branches that grow long enough to reach a structure can cause damage. Branches can scrape across roofs and rip off shingles, or they can cause damage to siding and windows. Trees should be trimmed back each year so that the branches don't touch buildings. Prune back far enough so that even in high winds the bending branches can't quite scrape against anything.
4. Prevent Crown Damages
Certain growth patterns aren't healthy. Branches that cross and rub, those that are nearly vertical, and drooping branches can all cause damage to the crown. Rubbing branches should be pruned to prevent friction wounds. Vertical branches must be trimmed out so they don't compete with the leader, as this will weaken the tree's structure. Drooping branches are more likely to break off and damage nearby branches, or they can split the trunk if they are heavy enough.
5. Mitigate Electrical Hazards
Although it's best to avoid planting trees too close to overhead utility lines, sometimes it still happens. Tree branches entangled in lines are a major cause of loss of power and electrical hazards during stormy weather. Trimming back the tree every year so the branches never grow into the power lines reduces the chances of line damage. Annual pruning will also control the tree growth in a healthy and attractive way.
Contact a tree pruning service to schedule an inspection and service quote for your trees.