Nutrient Production Problems

• Trimming away green palm fronds interrupts photosynthesis and reduces the production of important nutrients. As fronds age, some nutrients move from the older, dying fronds to the newer emerging fronds. Removing these older green fronds also removes these nutrient stores. The lowered photosynthetic production and the loss of nutrient reservoirs results in a reduction of thickening of the tree truck, which creates a weak point in the trunk. This weak point makes the palm tree susceptible to wind damage.
  
  

Stress

• Palm fronds can take three to five years to mature. A fully mature canopy may have taken 15 years to develop. Growing replacement fronds on an over-pruned palm tree, along with the normal annual growth, adds stress to the tree. Also, the tree may take years to replenish its canopy, leaving the tree open to damage from wind and weather.
  
  

Personal Injury

• Trimming and pruning palm trees also carries the potential of personal injury. Suffocating to death in the skirt of dead fronds circling the tree is possible. Also, without proper prevention, injury or death from electrocution of falls may occur while trimming palm trees.
  
  

Proper Pruning

• Although over-pruning a palm tree is harmful, proper trimming will keep the tree healthy. Remove yellow and brown fronds, but leave the nourishing green fronds alone. The palm tree canopy should be full with the outline of a half circle. Only remove extra fronds if they create a hazardous situation, such as blocking the view of the road from sidewalks and driveways or to prevent building damage. In both cases, transplanting the palm to a safer location may be necessary.