Q: What is the best month to trim palm trees?

• <div>You&rsquo;ll want to have your palm trees trimmed during the spring, ideally in May, before hurricane season sets in, which generally takes place during the late summer. Palm trees grow fastest over the summer months. You&rsquo;ll also want to trim your palm trees when you notice:<ul><li>Brown fronds </li><li>Dry leaves</li><li>Flower pods</li><li>Fruit</li><li>Fronds overgrown in power lines</li><li>Frond encroaching upon your neighbor&rsquo;s home or yard </li><li>Visible damage from a storm</li></ul></div>

Question 1

Can you burn a tree stump?

Accepted Answer

•

It is possible to burn out a tree stump if it is dried out and in an area of your property with a large buffer. Drill holes in the stump and dig around the base so it burns more easily. Then, build a small campfire on top using kindling and firewood. You’ll need enough to keep the fire going for many hours to completely burn out the stump, especially if it’s large.

Monitor the fire closely to ensure it doesn’t spread, and have a hose on hand if it starts to get out of control. When the fire is out, break apart the burned stump and dig out what’s left of it.

If this sounds like a good option, learn more about how to burn a tree stump before attempting it, as it does come with risks.

Question 2

How do I find a reputable and cost-effective tree transplanting professional?

Accepted Answer

•

Getting a tree pro with the right experience can be the difference between your transplanted tree surviving or not. When hiring a local tree transplanting and removal service, follow up on references, check their portfolio, ask for a breakdown of the costs, and get proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Also, look for companies certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or registered with the Tree Care Industry Association and make sure they have an appropriate state or city license.

Question 3

What are the signs my tree is dying?

Accepted Answer

•

Early signs that a tree is struggling include premature leaf shedding and lesions or other strange markings. Peeling bark, dead or rotten branches on the ground, and a conspicuous lack of leaves can all be signs that a tree has started to die. By the time a tree starts leaning, it’s usually too far gone to save.

Question 4

What is the best month to trim palm trees?

Accepted Answer

•

You’ll want to have your palm trees trimmed during the spring, ideally in May, before hurricane season sets in, which generally takes place during the late summer. Palm trees grow fastest over the summer months. You’ll also want to trim your palm trees when you notice:

Brown fronds
Dry leaves
Flower pods
Fruit
Fronds overgrown in power lines
Frond encroaching upon your neighbor’s home or yard
Visible damage from a storm

Brown fronds
Dry leaves
Flower pods
Fruit
Fronds overgrown in power lines
Frond encroaching upon your neighbor’s home or yard
Visible damage from a storm

Question 5

Can you cut the top off a plum tree?

Accepted Answer

•

Completely topping a plum tree is a risky business. Cut too much, and you’ll kill your tree. That said, you do need to trim the top of your tree to encourage bushy growth, maintain your tree’s vase shape, and limit size.

A plum tree's central leader (or trunk) should never extend more than 3 feet above the highest branch. When you first plant your tree, cut the central leader so it’s 2 to 3 feet tall. As it grows, cut it back 12 to 20 inches until it reaches its desired height. Never prune more than one-third of the new growth.