Question
Hi,

My neighbours view was being obscured by a palm in my yard and offered to pay to have it trimmed. I agreed as it had several dead fronds hanging down and was due for a trim anyway.

To my horror though the top leaves including the central stem has been removed and what is left severely thinned out so only about 10 horizontal leaves remain (say 2 to 4 o'clock).

Will the palm survive? It's 15 years old and about 50 feet tall.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi John, if the central spear was cut (which I can't even believe they would!) then the palm is dead! that is where it generates future fronds and with the heart cut out this can't happen, are you sure the center spear was cut?? I don't know of any trimmers that would be that stupid! check it out again, and get back to me, check and make sure the center growth is cut. regards Nick