Dead and Unpruned Palm Trees Pose a Great Danger in Wellington!

Dead and Unpruned Palm Trees Pose a Great Danger in Wellington!

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Palm trees are not like other trees. By origin, they are closer to grass than trees, but because of their height and thick woody trunk, they fit the current official definition of a tree. 

But trees or not, palms are a familiar sight all across Florida. Wellington is no exception. You cannot imagine it without palm trees. They are around buildings, in parks, on the side of the road, near the beach – everywhere! 

A warm and humid Florida climate supports their growth. But they give back too – they not only decorate yards, parks, and roadsides, their dense roots prevent landslides, while their flexible trunks withstand frequent tropical storms. 

Because palm trees do not grow tap roots, and their roots stick closer to the surface or the ground, they are less likely to damage roads and building foundations. 

But just like any other tree, palms can get dangerous, especially if you do not take good care of them. 

Why Are Palm Trees Dangerous?

The first palm tree danger that comes to mind is probably fronds falling off. The tree disposes of some branches because they are too heavy, infected, or old and dried. Since they can get heavy, if they fall on a smaller building or on a car, they will cause some damage. 

Let’s look at a picture from one of Wellington’s streets. As beautiful as the palm trees look in front of the house, they actually threaten the owner.

Unpruned tree near the home

Some fronds look yellow and wilted, which can be an early sign of diseases or a pruning reminder. In any case, those branches could be hazardous. For example, if a tropical storm hits the area, such branches will start falling down, or the wind will blow them away to the nearest front porch and roof. If you notice anything similar on your property, hire professional arborists to remove branches or an entire tree, if it is necessary. 

Also remember that palm tree branches are heavy and can fall on cars, wires, other infrastructure, and even people passing by. If you are the owner of the tree, you will have to take all responsibility and pay a hefty fine. 

Let’s look at another photo from Wellington Street. The owner of this house is in even more danger. One palm tree is unpruned, and its fronds could start falling off at any moment. The other is completely dried up. A minor tropical storm can easily bring it down. 

Dead palm tree near the house

Palm tree trunks are dense and heavy, so if they fall on any nearby object, car, or a person, they will cause a lot of damage with possibly catastrophic consequences. For example, a palm tree trunk can break a windshield and leave a serious bump on the car roof or bonnet. It can destroy walls, windows, and the roof of the house, and if it falls on a person, it might be lethal. 

How Can This Be Avoided?

The best way to avoid hazards is to prevent them in time. If you live in Wellington, Fl, and you wish to keep your property safe, take good care of your palm trees.

They will usually start showing off signs of distress, diseases, or pest attacks in time. Some infections can spread so fast and far that they can destroy entire forests, so act as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary. Look for dry branches or damage on the tree trunk. Also check the roots, because they are near the surface and if they get destroyed, a tree could fall down in no time.

Prune your palms regularly and trim all excess branches. Make sure you remove coconuts too because they can be dangerous. 

Regular palm tree maintenance will not only prevent hazards and emergencies but will also help your trees grow strong and healthy. That way, they will be prepared for storms and you will not have to worry every time you have visitors on your property. 

The safest way to nurture your trees is by hiring professional arborists. They will know how to care for trees, when, why, and how to prune and trim them, and when is the time to completely remove them. The Tree Dudes will assess the condition of your palms and determine what measures are needed to eliminate the hazard and keep your property safe. 

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