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Palm Tree Cleaning

Jun 22, 2021

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Palm trees are great at improving the aesthetic appeal of a property. However, in order to keep your palm trees looking great, there are a few maintenance activities that you need to perform. And one of the most important ones is palm tree cleaning.

Palm tree cleaning is the process of getting rid of fibers and dead fronds that are usually left behind after trimming. It is essential to maintaining the beauty of palm trees. And it also helps to minimize the risks of pest infestation and fires on a property.

Here is what you need to know about palm tree cleaning.


Importance of palm tree cleaning


Improve the appearance of the palm trees


Palm trees that are covered in dead fronds and ugly fibers are unattractive. These after-pruning remnants tend to give the palm tree an unnatural look that compromises its aesthetic value.

Therefore, by shaving off the “hairs” that grow after pruning, and by getting rid of the fronds that are left behind, you essentially restore a palm tree’s looks. This will in turn keep your property looking great.

Prevent fire hazard


Dead fronds and fibers can create a fire hazard. This is especially so when they dry out. As a result, removing them on a regular basis can help to reduce the risks of fire on your property.

Reduce risks of pest infestation


Hairy palm tree fibers and dead fronds are pest magnets. They provide shading for these pests. And they also provide a place that they can easily hide. Therefore, if you fail to clean your palm tree, you will have to suffer the inconvenience of having to spend money on pest control.

Palm tree cleaning is an easy way of preventing a pest problem. Doing so will make the palm tree less conducive for building nesting places, and as a result, it will save you from the headache of dealing with birds and pest infestations.

Reduce injury risks


Palm trees are generally tall. Any drying or dead fronds that fall from the trees can, therefore, cause serious injuries.

Palm tree cleaning removes these fronds before they have a chance to fall on unsuspecting passersby. Essentially, it makes palm trees safer.

How often should palm trees be trimmed or cleaned?


Palm trees should be trimmed after every 6 months or yearly. And palm tree cleaning should happen a few months thereafter after the fronds turn brown.

Cost of palm tree cleaning


The cost of palm tree cleaning varies depending on the height of the tree, its age, location, and the amount of debris that has to be removed from the palm tree. Factors like location, and whether or not you choose to DIY the process, also play a role.

Here is the typical range of what homeowners pay for palm tree cleaning.























Tree Height Cost range
10 - 15 ft. $60 - $75
15 - 25 ft. $100 - $350
25 - 40 ft. $200 - $425
50 ft. or greater $350 - $945

Prices taken from: https://www.gotreequotes.com/palm-tree-trimming-cost-guide/

Are dead leaves harmful to the palm tree?


No, dead leaves are not harmful to the palm tree. However, they can serve as pest magnets, and this can cause the palm tree to be a nuisance. Dead leaves also make a palm tree look less attractive. Therefore, they can lower the overall attractiveness of the palm tree.

Process of cleaning a palm tree


It is possible to clean your palm tree on your own.

If this is something that you want to do, you should follow the following process.

1. Examine palm tree


The first step is to establish whether your palm tree needs cleaning and the areas that you should target.

Generally, you should look out for fronds that are either dead or dying. Those that are hanging, or that are showing signs of extensive wilting should also be targeted.

And after identifying which areas to target, you are now ready to map out your plan of attack.

2. Plan the prune


Start by getting your tools in order and in position.

To do so, sterilize all the cutting tools that you intend to use with diluted bleach. Sharpen those that need to be sharpened. And then place the ladder securely next to the tree in a way that will make the pruning process easier.

3. Make the cut


As a general rule of palm tree cleaning, dead, broken, or dying fronds are the only ones that should be cut. And as for the green fronds, you are allowed to cut them only if they are hanging by 90 degrees or more

Begin the cutting process from the bottom, and then gradually move up. And when making the cut, avoid cutting too close to the trunk. Adopting a cutting distance of about 5cm from the palm tree trunk is always recommended.

4. Clean up


After you are done removing the dead or dying fronds, you will leave a mess behind. Make sure that you collect the resulting debris into a garbage bag and then discard them.

How many leaves/ fronds do you remove?


There isn’t a recommended number of fronds or leaves that you have to remove when cleaning your palm tree. There isn’t simply because the number of leaves or fronds that you remove during the process isn’t important.

As a general rule, you should limit yourself to removing leaves and fronds that are either dead or dying. Any fronds or leaves that are already diseased should also be removed. As for living leaves, any that are hanging at a degree that is more than 90 degrees are the only ones that should be removed.


When to clean a palm tree?


A palm tree should be cleaned as soon as the frond and fiber buildup starts to interfere with its appearance. It should also be done if the palm tree is becoming a pest and bird magnet. Or when its fronds are hanging dangerously overhead and thus making it a hazard.

It is generally done a few months after palm tree trimming.

Tools and materials needed for cleaning a palm tree


The following are the tools and materials that you will need in order to effectively clean a palm tree.

  • A ladder

  • A knife

  • A hand saw

  • A sterilizing agent like bleach

  • A pruning saw

  • A chainsaw

  • Eye protection like a pair of goggles

  • Gloves


Can you DIY or hire a professional?


When it comes to palm tree cleaning, you can either DIY or hire a professional. However, given the risky nature of the job, and the skill required to clean the palm tree without compromising its health, it is always a good idea to hire a professional palm tree cleaner.

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