Question
QUESTION: I purchased a house in November the back yard has about 10 giant birds of paradise and a few European palms. Three of the birds stand about 20-25 ft. tall the rest vary from 68 ft. up. The home inspector said I should remove the plants due to the root system causing damage to the pool. There is a concrete walk way about 2 1/2 feet wide before the pool(in ground) and the other side is against a wall (inches from it). Can the roots Cause damage to the pool and walk way? I don't see any yet or on wall either and these plants seem like they have been here for at least 10 years. Also I have noticed the plants are building over the stalk a brown layer like sprout offs that never grew and the leaves are splitting. Is this a sign of trimming needed and if so how much can you cut back and down. Which leads me into my next concern the bases of the pants have what looks like old stock bases (like tree stumps). Some are hallow with  new baby spouts coming out and others look solid but they are   all in the base from center to edges of plant.  Can I cut those out? Also I water once a week is this enough? Please help my back yard was great looking when I bought it but its started to look bad and I have never had a green thumb.!

ANSWER: Hi Ant, Ok, BOP's have a large bulbular type root system, its not invasive like many trees, which will send out large roots that can damage concrete; they are so large now, that if any damage was to occur, it would already be apparent. You can cut down and into this root base and section it off, cutting out sections to make it look neater, thereby removing older parts of the base, It will require a little effort, so if you can't do it, hire someone with a sharp spade and a little muscle. They are pretty self sufficient as far as water goes, especially when they are well established, but will benefit from weekly watering during the dry season,  but fertilizing 3 times a year with a well balanced fertilizer for Palms will help them look healthier. Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is causing some of the stocks to harden and to start looking like almost a tree bark on the base and failed bloom offs near the top? And why are the leaves tearing into strips? And if I do want to have a profession work on them is it better to hire a tree trimming or just a regular landscaper? Thanks again

Answer
Because of the age of your BOP'S I am inclined to think it is just a sign of old age; they are not difficult to trim and separate, so I would say any experienced landscaper should be able to clean them up for you. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service  and have either the agent in charge or a Master Gardner advise you on your local experts in this field.