We recommend pruning Fan Palms between June 21th and July 15th. If they are trimmed too early, you will still get fruit stalks that will emerge and create a mess. If you do not have a pool, or other landscape features that will suffer from the mess caused by their flowers and fruit, you can extend the July 15th date to whenever is convenient. When trimmed at the appropriate time (after all stalks have emerged) they will not need to be trimmed again for a whole year. It is best to trim your palms annually for both aesthetic and economic reasons. Multiple years of growth provide a neglected look. Also, neglected palms can be hazardous to climb. The "skirt" (accumulation of old fronds hanging down) can become detached from the trunk, and fall onto and suffocate whoever attempts to climb the tree. For this reason palms with three or more years of growth should never be climbed, and should be pruned using a bucket truck. We can help with palms regardless of their current state. Our availability is limited during this busy season, so call us now to receive your free quote, and to schedule your palm trimming.
Mexican fan palms are characterized by their tall, slender trunk. They can reach heights in excess of 75 feet. Palm trees that have not had the skins (portions of the petiole and/or leaf base) removed will have a rough looking trunk. Although fan palms are more tolerant of drastic pruning we recommend pruning to a 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock position. Leaving a sufficient number of fronds is necessary to maintain health and longevity.
California fan palms are very similar to the Mexican fan palms except they are greater in diameter and do not grow as tall. The fronds and seed pods are also larger and heavier. Consequently the cost to trim these fan palms will be more.