Queen Palm Trimming Steps

Queen palms are highly popular trees in the Southwest U.S., growing up to 50-feet tall. Follow our quick DIY guide below to trim this tree properly.

When Should You Trim Queen Palm Trees?

These trees need a trimming when their older fronds bend beneath an imaginary line running 90 degrees perpendicular to the trunk. Below this imaginary line, any yellowing or brown fronds can be trimmed and discarded.

Refrain from trimming during the summer months. You must allow all your palm trees to solely focus on growth during this time of the year. Try to do all trimming during the fall, preferably between September and November.

How To Trim Queen Palm Trees

This palm tree can survive and thrive in acidic, well-draining soils found in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b-11. Queen palms typically spread outward, featuring fronds growing atop the trunk.

This palm naturally drops fronds. However, only pruning can produce immediate results. Learn how to properly trim these palms below.

Step 1.

• Inspect the base of the leaf stem prior to removing the frond.
• The base IS NOT dead if it appears even slightly green.
• DO NOT remove the frond while it is still alive.

Step 2.

• Pruning should only be done between the months of September and November.
• Always refrain from pruning too many fronds all at once.
• Doing so can cause some unnecessary stress for the tree.

Step 3.

• Use a saw to cut the dead fronds a couple inches from the trunk.
• Refrain from cutting into the trunk, though.
• Only remove leaves that drop at less than a 90-degree angle from the trunk.