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In most ways, palm trees are incredibly low-maintenance. They don’t need a ton of water—which is why they’re so beloved in desert regions—and they basically prune themselves. But they do need an ample supply of sunlight and to be in soil that will allow for proper drainage so that their roots don’t become waterlogged and at risk of developing illnesses.

If the plant begins to wilt, develop spots, or change color, these could all be signs that your palm tree has a disease. But a few basic treatments, like pruning and applying fungicide, will usually be more than enough to return it to perfect health.

Tree roots can take weeks to years to die, depending on the method you use. Chemical herbicides take the least amount of time—typically between three and four weeks—while homemade methods, like covering an old stump with leaves, could take between seven and eight years. If you’re unsure which method to use or how quickly you need to act, consulting with a pro is always a good idea.

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

It depends on where you live—but in most areas, leaves begin falling in September and continue falling until January or February. Warmer regions, such as Southern states, may see leaves fall a bit later in the calendar year. It also depends on the type of trees in your yard and their maturity.