The myth about 'hurricane tree trimming'

Hint: it's a death-sentence!

 

All over Southwest Florida homeowners are getting ready for hurricane season by trimming their trees, and while trimming dead leaves keeps trees healthy, the hurricane haircut does not.

"With hurricane season on the way, I am seeing increased activity of landscaping. Overpruning palms with the "hurricane cut" removes nutrients, especially potassium, which keeps palms green and thriving. So never cut off green leaves. The more you cut, the more browning you will cause as the palm tries to absorb the lost potassium from fewer fronds. Eventually your palm will die."

Certified arborists know how to prune a palm yet they let the homeowner boss them around. The homeowners should listen to the professionals.

​Removing the green fronds takes away the tree's ability to get its nutrients, especially potassium. Without this palms can die. Taking off the palm's boots can also cause damage. The boots carry nutrients and provide support during high winds.

​Palm trees have only one growing point, unlike oak trees and ficus and other shade trees that have many growing points. Cutting off the green on these one-point growers is even more damaging than doing it to other greenery.

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