Is it possible to skin a palm tree yourself? Yes, it is! Follow our how-to guide below for this process.
Why Should You Skin A Palm Tree?
The main reason homeowners skin their palm trees for one simple reason, and simply the aesthetic of their home, paired with all the wonderful health benefits for the palm tree. Another major reason being that – rodents and all species of bugs use the palms dead fronds as a place of rest. Consider skinning your palm trees for this reason as it will cut down on amounts of pests in your yard. The dead fronds still on the tree actually take up the nutrients that would’ve otherwise gone into the healthy fronds so it is important to skin your palm trees.
Palm fronds are sometimes a headache to deal with since more than likely they end up falling out of the tree. Which leads to countless dead fronds all over your property. The biggest reason being as well that people simply just enjoy the way skinned palm trees look.
Skinning Palm Tree Steps
Follow each step carefully. Remember to always use the proper equipment and take all safety precautions if you are doing this as a DIY project.
Step 1. Evaluate Palm Tree’s Health
- Begin by evaluating the overall health of your palm tree by checking for dead or dying fronds.
- Dying fronds will appear white, yellow or brown in color.
- Broken fronds should be removed before being torn off, as this can damage the tree.
Step 2. Gather The Proper Equipment
- Selecting the proper equipment for this task is crucial.
- A serrated knife can be used to cut off fronds less than one inch in diameter.
- Use a pruning or hand saw for larger fronds.
- A chainsaw can be used for extremely thick fronds.
- Use a step stool for smaller palms and a ladder for larger palms.
- Refrain from wearing any climbing spikes.
- Wear gloves and goggles for extra protection.
- Sterilize all skinning tools prior to use.
- Set up your climbing gear so everything is safe and secure.
Step 3. Remove Fronds
- Remove dead, dying or broken fronds only.
- Mature fronds can be found below the current year’s growth.
- Start from the foliage’s bottom by cutting off each frond five centimeters from the trunk.
- Green fronds need to be cut if they hang by more than 90 degrees from the trunk.
Step 4. Dispose Of Debris
- Properly discard of all frond debris.
Dangers To Skinning Your Palm Tree
When skinning a palm tree of course it does come with a risk to the tree and tree trimmer involved in the job. Hence the reason why it’s the best option to hire a professional palm tree trimmer. For the Trimmers themselves, they run all sorts of risks as any tree trimming service would. You’re in need of a ladder or bucket trucks in order to reach the highest part of the palm tree where the fronds hide. Falling from these heights is the worst part of the job, which is the main reason why people hire professionals to complete the task at hand. Professional trimmers sometimes even tend to just climb the tree itself.
As mentioned previously trimming jobs pose countless risks for the trimmer and the tree itself. When the palm tree is hurt or cut, the dead fronds act as an open wound on the tree. Just like any other organism, open wounds become infected. The reason for this could be due to unsanitary trimming equipment being used so it is important to sanitize your trimming equipment before the skinning process starts.
Also be very wary that cutting too deep into the tree trunk can and will leave scars to the palm tree, which in short will hurt the tree when it comes to the transfer of nutrients. Skinning a palm tree should be limited to only once a year.
Phoenix Valley Palm Tree for Sale
If you’re looking for the best stock of palm trees in the valley A&P Nursery can help! With 4 east valley locations our team can help you find the perfect trees and plants to take your landscape from ordinary to extraordinary. In addition to selling trees and plants we partner with companies that will plant your trees or plants and care for them as long as you wish. That means all you need to do to get your landscape looking it’s best is stop by and browse our trees, choose your favorite, and leave the rest of the work to the pros.
Call or stop by one of our 4 locations today!
