The City of Indian Wells is providing this informational guide to the public about best practices for maintenance and trimming of palm trees. Always consult a professional.
City of Indian WellsPalm Tree Guide
Topics
02 Date PalmProperTrimmingTechniques
01 Date Palms
03 Washingtonia
04 Washingtonia ProperTrimmingTechniques
05 Signsof PotentialPalm TreeFailure
01 Date Palm
Phoenix dactylifera is commonly referred to as thedate palm.
Date palms bear date fruit which are oval-cylindricaland can be anywhere from 1.2-2.8 inches long. Datepalms have bigger crowns which makes them at ahigher risk of crown failure (toppling).
Date Palms typically reach about 69-75 feet in heightand have a life span of 80 years. 02 Date Palm
Tree
Trimming
Comparison
Correct Incorrect
Over trimming will damage the
palm.
Trim all green fronds no more than
9 to 3 as compared to a clock face.
Trim once a year in early Summer.
Fallen date fruit cause a nuisance
with staining and vector.
Deadline to
trim is June 30
Violation
03Washingtonia
Two Types:
Washingtonia Filifera aka California Fan Palm cangrow up to 60 feet tall and have a thicker trunk.
Washingtonia Robusta aka Mexican Fan Palm cangrow on average up to 80-100 feet and have athinner trunk. 04 Washingtonia
Palm Tree
Trimming
Comparison
Correct Incorrect
Over trimming will damage the
palm.
Trim green fronds no more than
10:00 to 2:00 as compared to a clock
face.
Trim once a year in early Summer.
Overgrown and dead fronds in
addition to white flowering seeds
create a nuisance.
Deadline to
trim is July 30
Violation
Trunk Deteriorating
05 Key Signs of
Potential
Palm Tree
Failure:
Pencil Neck
Deteriorating Trunk
Crown or head tilting
Extreme Frond Die Back
Dead Palm Trees
Trunk Deteriorating
RECOMMENDED WATERING FOR DATE PALMS:
New Date Palms (First Three Years)
Summer 350 gallons per week
Winter 200 gallons per week
Established Date Palms
(More than Three Years)
Summer 225 gallons per week
Winter 150 gallons per week
RECOMMENDED WATERING FOR WASHINGTONIA PALMS:
New Washingtonia Palms (First Two Years)
Summer 225 gallons per week
Winter 100 gallons per week
Established Washingtonia Palms
(More than Two Years)
Summer 150 gallons per week
Winter 75 gallons per week
Palm Tree Guide Report - Click Here
GDY Consulting
Gregston D. Young
ISA Certified MASTER Arborist WE-9732B
[email protected]
Infographic Prepared by
City of Indian Wells - February 2020