Q. I have Mexican fan palm
trees that were skinned a few years ago. I just had them trimmed. The trimmer climbed the trees with spikes.
The spikes left holes in the trees. Will this harm them?
A. Most likely not but
using tree spikes or “gaffs” is not a good idea. The holes created by climbing
gaffs create places for diseases to enter the tree. One disease, a lethal
disease for Canary island and Mexican fan palms called Fusarium Wilt, can enter
the tree through these wounds. This can be particularly true if the gaffs were
used first to climb a tree that was infected.
using tree spikes or “gaffs” is not a good idea. The holes created by climbing
gaffs create places for diseases to enter the tree. One disease, a lethal
disease for Canary island and Mexican fan palms called Fusarium Wilt, can enter
the tree through these wounds. This can be particularly true if the gaffs were
used first to climb a tree that was infected.
This disease and others can also be transmitted from tree
to tree on pruning equipment if this equipment is not cleaned and sanitized
properly between trees. Several methods can be used to sanitize pruning
equipment including alcohol, Pine-Sol, TSP or trisodium phosphate, and even 30
seconds of direct heat from a butane lighter.
to tree on pruning equipment if this equipment is not cleaned and sanitized
properly between trees. Several methods can be used to sanitize pruning
equipment including alcohol, Pine-Sol, TSP or trisodium phosphate, and even 30
seconds of direct heat from a butane lighter.
There isn’t a good reason to NOT clean and sanitize
pruning equipment. It’s laziness. Would you go into surgery and let the doctor
use a dirty scalpel? If climbing gaffs must be used, at least sharpen, clean and
sanitize them before climbing.
pruning equipment. It’s laziness. Would you go into surgery and let the doctor
use a dirty scalpel? If climbing gaffs must be used, at least sharpen, clean and
sanitize them before climbing.
I can understand why you might be upset having holes
punched into “skinned” palms. Avoid putting holes in the trunk whether it’s
pounding nails, pruning with a chainsaw or climbing with gaffs. Climbing gear
that create holes are no longer recommended for pruning palms. Taking a gentler
approach is preferred. Ladders, “cherry pickers” or scissor lifts are recommended.
punched into “skinned” palms. Avoid putting holes in the trunk whether it’s
pounding nails, pruning with a chainsaw or climbing with gaffs. Climbing gear
that create holes are no longer recommended for pruning palms. Taking a gentler
approach is preferred. Ladders, “cherry pickers” or scissor lifts are recommended.