How to Trim a Palm Tree and When Not to Prune

Trim Brown Fronds and Fruit but Only When Necessary

Les Engels

Updated on 06/21/22

Reviewed by

Andrew Hughes

person pruning a palm tree — The Spruce / Almar Creative

Project Overview

Working Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr

Skill Level: Intermediate

Palm trees are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to pruning, but it's still important to know when and how to trim a palm tree. Unlike many other plants, cutting back the green fronds won't help with growth. In fact, pruning healthy fronds will just minimize food production and ultimately weaken the tree.

However, occasionally you'll have to remove a healthy frond if it's too close to a structure or blocking a road or sidewalk. Otherwise, most of your pruning will be to remove brown fronds, as well as flowers and fruits. The best time to prune is in the spring, especially prior to hurricane and fire season.

When to Prune

To remove dead, dying, or damaged fronds
To eliminate flowers and fruits that can sap the tree's energy and be a hazard to those below if they drop
To improve visibility, such as near a roadway
To reduce fire hazards and other damage from fronds too close to structures
To get rid of unwanted seedlings

When Not to Prune

To shape for cosmetic purposes

Tip

If your palm tree is small enough to prune from the ground, then you are set to start. However, if you need to climb a ladder, you should consider hiring an arborist. It's more than likely the fronds will require a chain saw to cut, and an experienced professional will be able to do this safely. You must always prune from the top down; cutting lower fronds can dislodge upper fronds and trap the pruner against the trunk.

Equipment / Tools

Pruning saw
Hand pruners
Clean cloth or paper towel
Step stool (optional)

Protective Gear

Gardening gloves
Safety glasses

Materials

Rubbing alcohol

Examine Your Palm Tree

Begin by taking a good look all around your tree. Note whether any fronds are completely brown. You can leave fronds that are turning from green to yellow, as they're still providing the tree with some nourishment.

Also, note whether any fronds have been broken and are at risk of falling. Likewise, look for fronds that are too close to structures. Finally, check for fruits and flowers, and put them on the to-prune list.

Tip

Some palm trees are known as self-cleaning. They include king palms and Kentia palms. Self-cleaning palms naturally drop their dead fronds, so you generally just have to wait until they drop and pick them up from the ground. However, you still might need to prune in certain situations, such as to reduce fire and wind hazards.

The Spruce / Almar Creative
Plan the Prune

Determine the tools you'll need. In most cases for DIY palm tree pruning, this will include a pruning saw and hand pruners. Prior to making your cuts, sanitize your pruning tools by wiping down the blades with rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth or paper towel.

As the rubbing alcohol dries, determine the order in which you'll make your cuts, so nothing is ever at risk of falling on you. It's often best to work from the lower fronds upward, so you have a clearer path as you reach up for fronds. Bring out a step stool if necessary.

The Spruce / Almar Creative
Make the Cuts

Cut fronds at least 2 inches from the trunk. This will prevent damage to the trunk that can introduce pests and diseases.

As you remove fronds, fruits and flowers will be easier to see. So be on the lookout for any that you hadn't previously noted in your tree inspection.

The Spruce / Almar Creative

Tip

The rule of thumb for palms is to never remove more than one year's worth of growth at a time.
Clean Up

Responsibly dispose of your pruning waste. Fruits, flowers, and other debris left at the base of the tree might attract pests or even result in unwanted trees growing.

If you're unsure of how to dispose of your palm fronds—especially diseased fronds—call your local public works department for information. Many areas have special instructions regarding palm waste.

The Spruce / Almar Creative