How To Safely Remove Dead Palm Tree Fronds

Popular in warm southern climates, palm trees are fairly low maintenance and can grow to 50 feet or taller. Though this type of plant requires little maintenance, you must make sure the tree is fertilized and occasionally remove dead palm fronds.

Do not attempt to remove dead palm tree fronds during the summer months, or even before cooler weather. The dead fronds are beneficial to the tree during colder weather as they insulate parts of the tree. Instead, remove the fronds or "skin" the tree during the spring when there is no more chance of frost.

Step One - Assemble Your Tools

Removing the dead palm fronds is not easy job. It will require the use of sharp knives and even a chainsaw for the tougher branches. Make sure the chain saw chain is sharpened and that you have the required gas and oil mixture. Sharpen any other knives that you are going to need. However, the most important tool is the safety gear. Gloves, strong boots and leg chaps will keep you from getting seriously injured.

Step Two - Lay Out Tarp

Lay a tarp on the ground to make the clean up of the old palm fronds easier and to protect any flowers or other nearby plants.

Step Three - Start At Bottom

With your safety gear on, approach the palm tree and begin cutting. Start at the bottom and work your way up from there. This will help you to avoid all the thorns and sharp fronds.

Be very careful when reaching in and removing dead fronds. Some palm tree leaves are very sharp and contain tiny hairs that can irritate your skin.

Step Four - Cut Fronds

Cut the fronds off as close as you can to the palm tree, but do leave some of it. Grab the upper portion of the frond and hold it out straight. Cut through the frond with your utility knife or machete. If you have to use a chainsaw on the thicker branches, keep both hands on the saw and try to get a straight angle to the branch.

Step Five - Shape Into Diamond Shape

The most common shape of the cut palm tree is a diamond shape. After you have cut the dead frond off, you can spend some time shaping the branch stem into a diamond shape.

You might have to remove a lot of dead fronds. This is all right as they will all grow back shortly when the growing season starts.

Step Six - Place Into Wheelbarrow

Place the dead palm tree fronds in a wheelbarrow and cart to either a fire or to the local landfill. Contact your local city office for the codes or permits necessary for burning or disposing of dead palm tree fronds.