Palm trees can give an area a tropical vibe. That's why they are so popular on front lawns and in yards with swimming pools. Their unique look can add value to a property. However, palm trees can also pose a threat to homeowners and their children, as well as their pets.
Though they might not look it, palm tree fronds can be quite deadly if care isn't taken around them. If you have palm tree in your yard, be wary of the following risks to you, your children and your pets.
Palm Fronds Are Sharp
Many palm trees, such as the Canary Island date palm, have fronds that are covered with spikes. Although small, these spikes are sharp and can easily pierce the skin of a human or animal. What's more, palm frond spikes also transmit fungal and bacterial infections.
A few years ago, an Australian man from Coromandel needed $4,000 worth of antibiotics to cure an infection caused by a palm frond spike that entered his knuckle.
Who is at Risk from Sharp Fronds?
Sharp fronds are a risk to everyone and everything around them. Fallen fronds can endanger children and adults walking barefoot in the area. Thus, it is important that you keep your palm trees well trimmed. You also ensure that you clear away any palm tree debris as soon as it falls.
If your palm trees are in need of a trim, it would be much safer to hire a professional to do the trimming for you. Moreover, cats are also in danger from palm frond spikes. For example, if a cat decides to climb a palm tree, it may become stuck because of the sheer amount of spikes present around the crown.
Palm Fronds Are Heavy
When dead palm fronds build up on a palm tree, they can leave the tree looking untidy. However, if a large amount of dead fronds has built up around the crown of a palm tree, you should avoid attempting to remove them yourself. Dead palm fronds can weigh hundreds of pounds, which means that if they fall on you from above, they could trap and suffocate you.
Even professional tree removalists and arborists need to take extreme care when removing dead palm tree fronds. As a result, it is important that you hire someone who is certified and experienced when it comes to trimming palm trees.
If your palm tree poses a risk to you and your family, you should consider removing it. At the very least, you should ensure that it is well trimmed and free of dead fronds.
Share23 March 2018
Hey! I'm Keith. Are you looking for tree removal advice? If so you have come to the right place. Last year, I needed some advice about how best to deal with the trees in my yard. One of the trees had started to lean and I was very worried about it. In order to deal with the problem, I called in a professional tree service and asked them to take a look at it. The contractor wasted no time and quickly removed the tree. I was really pleased with the level of service I received and I would like to encourage others to contact their local tree service.