Tools and Equipment
Cleaning up a cabbage palm tree can be an intimidating task, but with the right tools and the right step-by-step guide, you can accomplish it in no time. The most important tools you need to remove a cabbage palm tree are lopping shears, a chainsaw, and a shovel. Having both a standard-sized and a pole-sized saw with fresh chains will be essential for tackling the larger parts of the tree. For smaller pieces and branches, a lopping shear may be more appropriate. Shovels are necessary for both up-rooting the tree and filling in the area you are removing the tree from.
Choosing Safety Gear
Safety is paramount when removing a cabbage palm tree. To avoid any potential injury, make sure to wear a hard hat, steel-toe boots, and protective goggles or glasses. It is also important to monitor your chainsaw for any changes in sound or excessive vibration, which can indicate the blade needs to be replaced or sharpened. If you do not feel comfortable with the safety aspect of this job, it is best to contact a professional arborist.
Removing the Branches
Start by removing any small twigs and lingering leaves from the base of the tree. Loppers can be used to easily and quickly remove these. Work up the trunk, removing any thin branches and sawing off thicker ones with your saw. Take your time and make sure that when removing the branches, the saw cuts cleanly away from the main trunk to reduce the risk of any additional damage.
Taking Down the Trunk
Now that you have removed the branches, it is time to tackle the trunk. The fastest and safest way to take down the trunk is to make three cuts. The first cut should be a third of the way up the trunk on the side you are strongest on. This first cut should cut into the wood at a downward angle. The second cut should be on the opposite side at the same height as the first and should also have the same downward angled cut. The third cut should be made directly through the tree at the base. This will cause the trunk to fall in the desired direction.
Uprooting the Remains
With the trunk in pieces, you can now use your shovel to remove the stumps and roots of the tree. Start by digging out soil around the edges of the root. Use a shovel to pry the edge up and then use a loppers to saw through the roots. Once all of the roots and stumps are free, pull them out of the ground.
Cleaning Up After
The final step in removing a cabbage palm tree is to fill in the area and clean up the debris. Sweep away any dirt and tarps that may have been used during the process and rake the area to prepare it for replanting if desired. Remove any parts of the tree you will no longer need and dispose of them correctly, as recommended by local guidelines.
General Maintenance
It is important to regularly inspect and maintain any existing cabbage palm trees to reduce the risk of any decaying branches, dead fronds, and any weakened roots that may need to removed in the future. To do this, prune away any dead or broken fronds, trim away dead or weakened branches, and ensure there are no obstructions or dangers to people or property before discarding them.
Fertilization
To ensure that your cabbage palm tree remains healthy, it is recommended to apply fertilizer annually in the early spring. Before doing so, make sure to read the instructions on the packaging carefully. Typically, the fertilizer should be applied evenly to the outer branch of the tree by scattering it on the ground and lightly hosing it down.
Watering
Cabbage palm trees typically require less water than most other trees in the landscape. But during times of prolonged dry spells, they may need up to an inch of water a week. The best way to water these trees is with regular deep watering, applied directly to the trunk and root system rather than just at the base of the tree. Over-watering should be avoided, as this can cause drainage issues and can drastically reduce the lifespan of the tree.
Pest Control
Cabbage palm trees can be vulnerable to certain pests, such as caterpillars, mealybugs, and aphids. If you spot any signs of infestation, it is important to act quickly in order to prevent the damage from spreading. Spraying with an appropriate insecticide or horticultural oil should help to keep these pests at bay. However, if the infestation is severe, it may be best to call a professional for assistance.
