Palm trees that are cleaned regularly appear healthier and more appealing. They can also reduce the risk of fronds falling on parked vehicles or people.
Some palms are self-cleaning, meaning the older fronds naturally fall away and do not require pruning. It helps keep the tree healthy and reduces maintenance costs. For others, regular palm tree cleaning Adelaide is necessary.
Pest and rodent infestation
Rodents are notorious for transferring diseases to humans, including hepatitis E and leptospirosis. They also chew through electrical wires and other structural parts of buildings, leading to expensive repairs. Taking precautions such as storing dry foods in glass or metal containers, removing outdoor refuse and brush, and regularly washing the surrounding areas will help to reduce rodent activity near your home.
As time passes, the dead fronds falling from a palm tree can become extremely heavy and cause personal injury or property damage if not properly removed. Regular pruning and cleaning help eliminate this hazard and maintain a healthy, attractive palm.
Fire Hazard
Palm trees add a touch of the tropics to landscapes but also pose fire hazards when left unattended. Flying embers ignited by wildfires can easily cling to the dead, brittle palm fronds that hang from the tree, and they can then spark more flammable debris from other nearby palms. This flaming debris can then spread the fire to other trees and properties.
A shaggy palm tree attracts rodents and other pests to the area, and the resulting droppings can obstruct pathways or become slippery tripping hazards for visitors. They can also clog drainage systems and suffocate the roots of the tree.
Aesthetics
Palms add that exotic tropical feel to the landscape and, when properly trimmed and maintained, can increase property value. However, a poorly maintained palm can become a messy eye sore with the accumulation of dead fronds and seed pods and provide shelter for pests and rodents. Additionally, a shaggy, overgrown palm can be highly flammable.
Proper palm tree cleaning, also known as “skinning,” removes the spiky appearance of a palm tree by removing the dead fronds, reducing the risk of pest infestations, and preventing fire hazards. Skinning also allows the living fronds to soak up all the water they need, preventing the tree from becoming overly dry or prone to diseases like bud rot and fusarium wilt and helping it thrive in its environment.
Removing the drupes (seed pods) from a palm is another important step in proper cleaning, as they can cause unsightly stains on pavements and vehicles and create a tripping hazard for people and pets. Additionally, if left to fall on its own, a ripening drupe can pose serious injury or property damage.
Health
Palm trees are a wonderful addition to any outdoor landscape, but if they are not properly maintained, they can become unsightly and cause damage to surrounding property. Regular palm cleaning will remove the fronds and seed pods that are dying and reduce the risk of fire and pest infestations.
Removing dead fronds will allow the tree to focus energy on producing new, healthy growth, which helps preserve its health and vigour. It also reduces the risks of pests and disease from spreading to other nearby trees.
Regularly cleaning your palms will improve their appearance and add value to your home or business. Getting your palms shaved a few months after pruning is also recommended to ensure the wounds heal properly.
An expert in palm tree cleaning Adelaide will use a ladder or pole pruners for the taller palms and cleaning tools such as a scrub brush, a bucket of water, and a hose with mild dish soap. Always use a ladder with the proper safety equipment and be careful around large or unstable limbs, especially during high winds. Before beginning, it is important to cordon off the area and prepare your tools for washing. Make sure to clean all your equipment with a mild bleach solution before and after using it on the palm tree to prevent the transfer of pests and diseases from one tree to another.
