2019 - ArborCare

Signs Of A Dead Palm Tree

It can be quite difficult to tell if a palm tree is completely dead or just in need of some extra care. Hunker states that if you have any green on your fronds no matter how small the tree is still alive, but if you d not see any green the tree is dying if not already dead. Some of the tell-tale signs of a dying palm tree start with drooping or yellowing leaves and one of the places to start would be with the soil the tree is planted in.

Discolored or Wilting Palms

When a palm tree’s fronds begin yellowing Davey recommends checking the soil to ensure that there are no major nutrients lacking in the soil, as well as proper moisture and fertilizer levels as well since too much or too little can harm your palm tree. It may be tempting to remove the discolored fronds from the plant but this should be cautioned against since this could stunt growth for younger leaves.

Runs Out of Nutrients

According to Tree Help manganese, potassium, and magnesium deficiency are the most likely areas for a palm tree to be deficient in. These deficiencies can be identified by simple visual inspection but it is best to test the soil to get an accurate estimate of what nutrients are lacking.

Pests

According to Palm Tree Passion palm trees are most affected by sucking insects, mealybugs, palm aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. By regularly inspecting your palm tree you should be able to perform a visual or audio inspection to check for any pests that may bother your palm tree.

Can My Palm Tree Be Saved?

Since a dying palm tree and completely dead palm tree can look very similar it can be hard to tell the health of your palm tree. These trees can be very temperamental and there are several factors like water, soil, nutrients, fertilizer, or dying fronds can affect the health of the tree it is best to do something the second you notice something wrong. If these factors are left unchecked there is a chance that a sick palm tree quickly turns into a dead palm tree.

Saving A Dying Palm Tree

Gardening Know How suggests getting to the root of the problem to discover why the palm tree is not healthy. A good starting point would be to see how the “crown” fronds since this is where growing fronds will start and if the crown is unhealthy the rest of the tree will also have issues. Florida Palm Trees states that palm trees could environmental issues, nutrition deficiency, or problems like poor soil and incorrect watering schedule. This is why it is best to start with a soil test so that you can replace the proper chemical balance and add fertilizer if necessary while adjusting your watering schedule.

Remove Dead Palm Trees in Phoenix, Tempe, & More

If none of the above steps have helped with your palm tree it may be time to call a certified arborist and have your tree further examined. We offer palm tree trimming services in the Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas. As an added bonus we are experienced and certified arborists, which means that we will do our best to restore your tree to its former health. However, we do know that this is not always possible in every situation which is why we also offer palm tree removal services to keep you and your property safe from harm. Worried about how much it is going to cost? Check out our palm tree trimming cost guide.

TREE PRUNING TECHNIQUES

Tree pruning involves the selective removal of certain parts of a tree. For example, branches, buds or roots. It’s purpose is not to destroy the tree but to make well-advised removal of certain parts of a tree that will enable the rest of the tree to flourish with life.

Benefits Of Tree Pruning

A great rule of pruning is no branch should be removed from a tree unless there is a good reason for it to be removed. It is important to understand every single cut can change the growth pattern of a tree. Generally speaking, good reasons for pruning include when there are dead branches to be removed, reducing the damage that falling branches may no to a tree and enhancing the overall appearance and health of the tree. It is vital trees receive light to grow healthily, so a primary goal of effective pruning is to allow more air and light penetration to the crown of the tree (the top) and to any foliage or landscaping below or within the shadow of the tree. On occasion, older trees are pruned as a corrective measure because regular tree thinning is not in itself beneficial to the health of a tree.

When Should You Prune Trees

There is not a specified time of the year for tree pruning. People do not realize if you regularly trim your trees year round you minimize the chances of weak, diseased, or dead tree branches causing harm to your otherwise healthy tree. This does not mean that by simply pruning your trees, diseases will be eliminated entirely. Diseases such as oak wilt can arise from leaving exposed limbs during pathogen transmission seasons.

Tree Pruning Techniques

Thinning a tree is when you select specific branches to be removed to improve airflow and light penetration. This removes the weight of heavier branches allowing a tree to grow naturally without shaping.
Cleaning removes dying, weak or other diseased branches from the crown of the tree.
Reduction works by reducing the height or spread of tree leaders and the joints of secondary branches. For tree topping, a reduction helps a tree structurally as well as the durability.
Raising is when a lower level branch is removed to increase the amount of clearance for people, building, or vehicles to pass safely.

Young Tree Pruning

A properly pruned tree is necessary to ensure that a young tree will grow into a strong tree when it matures. When a young tree is pruned regularly while it is growing will reduce the amount of tree trimming that will be required when it matures.

Scaffold branches are best created when a tree is still young and healthy to ensure they grow into mature trees. A dominant leader branch should be helped to grow upwards to give a young tree chance to develop structurally. The leader branch should stand out above secondary branches and the tip should not be pruned.

Palm Tree Pruning

Most palm trees should be trimmed at least twice a year to remove some of the dying leaves, flowers, or fruiting clusters as well as dangerous items like coconuts. You could prune your trees every 3 or 4 months to ensure that coconuts do not fall and cause damage to property or people passing by.

If your palm tree is trimmed too often it will grow slower as well as have the possibility to attract harmful pests. It is best to avoid harming the palm tree by leaving fronds that are green alone and not using spikes to scale the tree.

Avoid Tree Topping

Despite years of outcry from arborists on the harm that can be done by topping a tree, it is still something commonly practiced. When your tree is reduced to stubs or secondary branches you are not allowing the tree to grow properly like it.

Tree Topping Alternatives

If a tree must be reduced for clearance or safety reasons it is best to use other techniques like pruning. In a worst-case scenario, a tree will be removed and replanted in a different site with a tree species better suited for the specific situation. Instead of topping large limbs can be shortened sideways allowing another branch to assume the terminal role. In the case of smaller branches they may be removed entirely and if a tree has a significant amount of branches removed it should be given the necessary time to compartmentalize.

Tree Removal Services In The Phoenix, Arizona

If you need tree removal services anywhere in the Phoenix Valley, give Arbor Care a call today at (480) 797-5566 or receive a free tree removal estimate in Phoenix. Our Service area includes: Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise, Arizona.