When to Trim a Pigmy Palm Tree

About Pygmy Palms

• Pygmy date palms grow 6 to 12 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 12 feet. They are single-trunk palms, though specimens planted from seed may grow in clusters that resemble multi-trunked palms. Individual fronds have a light, feathery look with narrow 8-to 12-inch leaves arranged along the narrow center stem. New fronds emerge from the center of the crown, with the size of the crown increasing as the plant ages. Pygmy palm fronds don't droop as they age, and flower clusters and the dates that follow blooming usually stay hidden among the fronds.

Spring

• Spring pruning is only necessary on a pygmy palm when there are signs of winter damage. Brown, crisp-looking leaves at the ends of the fronds with greener growth as you move to the base of the stem is the hallmark of freeze damage. Once there is no more chance of frost, remove only the brown foliage, leaving the green base of the frond to continue providing nutrients to the rest of the tree. Green growth, even on damaged fronds, translocates nutrients to young, newly emerged fronds for stronger early growth. According to Florida grower Palm City Palms, pygmy palms are frequently overpruned in an effort to decrease pruning chores. Consistent overpruning can cause the area of the trunk below the crown to narrow, which makes it more likely to snap off in high winds.

Early Summer

• When new growth is vigorous at the center of the crown in early summer, you can safely prune away the rest of the bedraggled winter-damaged foliage, as well as any foliage that has naturally aged to brown -- these fronds are along the outer edge of the crown. Leave any fronds that are still yellow, because they are providing the new growth with potassium, which may be lacking in the soil. Flower stems, whether faded or not, can be removed as can any fruit clusters whenever they develop. Removing flowers lets the tree put more energy into new growth and eliminates some of the pollen and mess that the plant can create.

Pruning Tools and Technique

• Pygmy palm fronds feature long, needlelike spines near the base, so leather gloves and protective eyewear are smart additions to your pruning gear. Sterilize pruning tools -- long-handled loppers, hand pruners or even scissors for trimming brown foliage -- with household antiseptic cleaner before you start and between cuts where fronds show signs of disease. Make cuts as close to the base of the frond as possible, usually just above the flared part of the frond that connects to the trunk, called the boot. The boot eventually drops off on its own.