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The most critical rule in palm care is simple: never remove fronds that are green and healthy. Green fronds are vital for the palm's health because they actively produce the energy (nutrients) the palm needs to grow and resist disease. Removing too many green fronds, a practice known as 'hurricane cutting' or 'over-pruning,' starves the palm.
Only remove fronds that meet these criteria:
They are completely brown or yellowish-brown.
They are broken or heavily damaged by wind or pests.
They are hanging below the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock horizontal line.
To protect the palm's nutritional reserve and its structural integrity against hurricanes, arborists follow the '9-to-3' rule. This means the canopy should always maintain fronds that are growing above the imaginary horizontal line (like the hands of a clock pointing at 9 and 3). Removing fronds above this level seriously compromises the palm's ability to withstand strong winds and recover.
The 'hurricane cut' involves severely stripping the palm, leaving only a small, tight tuft of vertical fronds. This is a myth. Scientific studies show that an over-pruned palm has reduced wind resistance because the lack of healthy foliage exposes the internal growth bud to wind damage, leading to death or failure. Do not allow your palm to be 'shaved' in this manner.
Palms do not heal from wounds on their trunk (stipe) like other trees. Never make cuts or use climbing spikes that penetrate the trunk. Wounds on the trunk are permanent entry points for lethal diseases and pests, such as the destructive Ganoderma Butt Rot which is untreatable.
While many homeowners want seed pods and flower stalks removed for aesthetic reasons, removing them at the wrong time can drain the palm’s energy. Our professionals assess the timing to remove these elements efficiently without causing unnecessary stress.
The primary trimming window for palms in Palm Beach County is typically late spring/early summer, right before the heaviest growth and peak rainy season. However, because palms shed their dead fronds naturally year-round, our service can safely be performed at any time when the fronds are fully brown and dried out.
Palm trimming requires specialized equipment and an understanding of the palm’s unique biology. Do not attempt to prune tall palms yourself. Contact ArbolPro Services for certified, safe, and ethical palm trimming that adheres to all ISA standards, ensuring your beautiful palms are protected for the long term.
Regular palm tree trimming improves safety, protects your property, and keeps your landscape looking clean and healthy.
If you’re unsure how often to trim your palms or which fronds to remove, our team is here to help.