There will almost certainly be at least one palm tree (Arecaceae family) if you picture a tropical setting. Even though palm trees are typically thought of as tropical, some types can be grown indoors or in more temperate climates. Home gardeners love palms because they instantly add a touch of the tropics to almost any space. Nonetheless, making well-informed choices is essential. Unlike many other plants, palms cannot be trimmed to control their height.
Palm Tree Characteristics
There are about 3,000 species and more than 200 genera in the genus Palm trees. Palm tree trunks are stalks that produce leaves, buds, and flowers. The leaves, or fronds, uncurl as they emerge from the top of the tree. Most palm trees only have a long, tall stump that won’t bear leaves when the top is removed because doing so also removes the fronds and, more crucially, the bud.
This rule does have some exceptions. You can trim off some of the tallest branches while leaving others intact because some palm species have aboveground branches. New fronds will grow on any untrimmed branches of the palm, but not on the crown. You can top date palms (Phoenix dactylifera), which are found in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, as long as new branches are growing at the base of the trunk. There won’t be any new growth where the cut is.
Reduce the Growth Rate
The majority of palm trees cannot be shortened, but you can prevent indoor palm plants from growing by putting obstacles in their way. As your palm grows, don’t move it into a bigger container; instead, keep it in the smaller pot. If the roots don’t have enough space to spread out, the palm’s growth will be slower. The same is true for outdoor palm pots. Transfer your palm to a smaller container if it’s currently in a large one. You can’t do much about in-ground, outdoor palms, though. A tall palm tree outside that poses a risk of falling on power lines or another overhead hazard should be taken down by a professional company.
Pruning Palms
A palm tree can have some of its fronds removed, but you can’t cut off the entire top and expect it to regrow. This should only be done under special circumstances because palm trees need their leaves for photosynthesis. To get rid of fronds, clip them just above where they join the trunk. Only when the leaves are completely dead, brown, or broken should they be pruned. Additionally, leave the palm’s remaining leaves on the tree if they are the only ones damaged.
A Smaller Palm Is Better
The best way to prevent a palm tree from growing too big for its environment is to cultivate a dwarf palm. USDA zones 10 and 11 are suitable for the pigmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), which can reach a height of 12 feet. Chinese windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortunei), which can withstand drought, are prized for their small stature; in USDA zones 9b through 11, they can reach a maximum height of 9 to 12 feet. USDA zones 8 through 11 are suitable for the hardy Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), which can reach a maximum height of 10 to 15 feet.
Palm Trees in Phoenix, Tempe, & More
We offer palm tree trimming services in the Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas. As an added bonus we are experienced and certified arborists, which means that we will do our best to restore your tree to its former health. However, we do know that this is not always possible in every situation which is why we also offer palm tree removal services to keep you and your property safe from harm. Worried about how much it is going to cost? Check out our palm tree trimming cost guide.
