queen palm Queen palm trimming

[JoAnn Emry]

I am trying to get some information on the proper trimming of Queen palms.  My HOA insists on trimming them in the winter and they have trimmed them down to not more than 4-5 fronds. They look very sparse and fragile and I’m afraid they might die. These palms are 60+’   There’s no dead fronds and they were just trimmed in June. 

[EPaul]

This is a common mistake made by both gardeners and Landscape Maintenance companies. You should avoid trimming a palm frond until it is completely brown or dead for several important reasons:

The most important reason is that green fronds still provide essential nutrients to the palm. As they age and yellow, the tree reabsorbs nutrients like potassium and magnesium before the frond dies. Removing them too soon can lead to deficiencies. Even partially green fronds contribute to photosynthesis, helping the palm produce energy. Removing them too early can weaken the tree’s overall health.

Also, a stressed palm is more susceptible to pests and diseases. Over-pruning can open wounds that invite infections, fungi, or insects. Not to mention, removing too many fronds at once can make a palm look unhealthy or unbalanced. A good rule of thumb is to leave any frond that is still at least partially green intact.

[Harry’s Palms]

I have mine trimmed every year before the east winds and they always come right back . I don’t like when they get over trimmed so I give specific instructions to the tree folks. Where you are , they should grow back quickly. Harry

This is right after trimming , just prior to our huge wind event. We had 80+ mph wind up here on the hill and no broken fronds! I only let the tree service do the Queen palms ( 6) and one very tall Washingtonia. I maintain the rest , like the Roystonia O. next to it . All my others follow the “ don’t cut until it’s brown” rule.