When it comes to shaping our saplings, we know the drill: the dormant season is the best time for pruning.

Yet, there are about 2,500 Spartanburg trees that go against this golden rule–palm trees!

Unlike many Spartanburg tree species, palms don’t follow a strict pruning schedule.

The best palm Spartanburg tree maintenance relies on the appearance of your individual tree. Learn how to determine if it’s time to trim your palm Spartanburg tree below.

When should you trim a palm tree?

You only need to prune palms to rid Spartanburg trees of brown fronds (palm leaves), flowers or fruit.

This means your pruning project isn’t subject to a specific time of year. Instead, the best time to prune palm Spartanburg trees is when it looks like they need it. Really!

To be safe, though, look up and examine your palms before hurricane season. Remove any dead fronds from your palms to prevent storm damage.

What is the proper way to trim a palm tree?

You should never prune any green fronds. Only remove dead or dying fronds.

Think of your palm Spartanburg tree like clock. You can prune from 9-to-3 or even from 10-to-2. But never prune your palm Spartanburg tree down to the 11-1 position. That’s called hurricane pruning, and it’s bad for your tree.

The more fronds removed from your tree, the more stressed the Spartanburg tree will become.

If you’re trimming a small palm tree, check out our step-by-step guide on the best way to trim palm trees. Wondering how to trim tall palm trees? Typically, you should call a certified arborist to ensure a safe prune–for you and the tree.

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