How to Prune a Pindo Palm

Put on gloves when dealing with the palm tree as the serrations on the stems can be bothersome. Set up a ladder as close to the trunk as possible and have someone spot you when it is in use.

Remove only the brown, dead fronds. Removing healthy fronds can damage the tree's vigor. The tree needs all its leaves to provide it with plant sugars harvested from the sun in the photosynthesis process. Plant sugars provide important carbohydrates for food.

Sever the lower fronds at the trunk using hand pruners. Do not cut into the trunk or you risk injuring the plant. Cut within 1/4 inch of the leaf scar on the trunk. The remaining stub will dry up and slough off.

Cut the highest fronds with pole pruners to avoid using the ladder. Many pole pruners have telescoping handles that can allow you to prune to high elevations. Situate the hooked top of the pruner blade under the stem of the frond as close to the trunk as possible. Pull the string on the handle to activate the blade and sever the stem.

Prune off the fruit clusters in early to midsummer to avoid the mess and pests that come when the fruit falls. Place a tarp under the tree and cut the clusters off where they attach to the branch. You can use any ripe fruits to make a sweet jam and the palm fruit can also be eaten raw.