Pruning Mexican Fan Palm Trees

Mexican Fan Palm Trees (Washingtonia Robusta) are quite majestic and add significant elevation and texture to our landscape.  There have been concerns as to why the brown palm fronds are not removed until June through late July.

By then all the seed stalks that are going to be produced for the year should be mature enough to be cut off and eliminated.  Trimming the trees earlier will lead to seed stalks coming out afterward and then dropping onto sidewalks, curbs, and streets, creating quite a sticky mess.

There is always a chance that a late stalk will pop out, but it is pretty rare with Mexican Fan Palms.

BY DICK FREEMAN, LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE