How to Cut Down a Rotting Palm Tree

Preparation

• 1

  Determine the direction that the tree will fall. This area should be free of power lines and structures. Remove any brush from around the palm tree to facilitate quicker movement around the tree. Choose an escape route to use after you have made the cuts, along with an alternate.

• 2

  Examine the extent of the rot and decide where to make the cuts. Make the cuts above the rotten area, if possible. This will help you control the direction of the fall.

• 3

  Put on protective gear, including leather gloves, safety goggles and a hardhat.

Cutting Down the Tree

• 4

  Use a chainsaw to make an undercut on the same side of the palm tree as the direction of the fall. Make one horizontal cut above the section of rot. If the rot is caused by Ganoderma butt rot, the rotted section will typically extend no higher up than 4 to 5 feet from the ground. This first cut should go through about a quarter of the tree's diameter.

• 5

  Make a second cut above the first cut, traveling downward at an angle to meet the first cut. This should form a V-shaped notch in the palm.

• 6

  Make a back cut on the opposite side of the palm, just slightly above the “V.” Do not cut all the way through the wood to the V-shaped notch. The remaining wood acts as a hinge to control the direction of the fall.

• 7

  Turn off the chainsaw and walk quickly along your escape route.

Cutting Cross-Sections to Diagnose Rot

• 8

  Use the chainsaw to slice cross-sections from the lower trunk after the palm tree has fallen. Slice sections off of the stump until you reach the bottom. Make the sections about 2 to 3 inches wide.

• 9

  Examine the sections of palm wood. Some of the sections may appear to have a solid, light brown color. These are not infested with rot. If you notice any darkening in the centers of the cross-sections, this indicates the presence of Ganoderma butt rot.

• 10

  Place the lower 4- to 5-foot sections of the palm tree into a garbage bag. Discard the diseased wood in a landfill or incinerate it. Avoid planting any new palm trees in the same area because the fungus will remain in the soil and infect new trees with rot.