Problems with Palm Trees?

A traditional symbol of our breezy California lifestyle, palm trees are fittingly high maintenance.  The city is phasing out the planting of palms largely because of the expense of maintaining them and their limited contribution to the city’s shade canopy.  Palms are not self-cleaning and require regular trimming.  Consult a tree specialist that works in your area to identify a regimen tailored to your variety.  Even with regular attention palms have a habit of dropping their heavy fronds on power lines, in pools and even on unsuspecting back yard barbeque guests.  If you do decide to replace the trees try a native species.  Your tree specialist might recommend an indigenous variety of sycamore, crape myrtle, or live oak.  Palms like so many of our local icons are from out of town.