Why palms need regular pruning
Palms are part of the Costa del Sol look, but they need care. Dry, brown fronds hang down, look untidy and can fall in strong wind.
Fruit clusters are another problem. The dates and berries drop onto terraces and pool decks, leave stains and attract insects. Removing them in good time keeps your outdoor areas clean.
Palms we look after
We prune the palms you see in most gardens and communities along the coast, both tall and small.
- Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis)
- Date palm
- Washingtonia (tall fan-leaf palm)
- Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops)
- Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus)
The right cut makes all the difference
Many palms on the coast are over-pruned, leaving only a small tuft at the top. This is often called the pineapple cut. It may look neat, but it weakens the palm and makes it more open to pests.
We remove only the dry and dying fronds and keep the healthy green crown. We can also clean the trunk by removing the old leaf bases, which is known as peeling. Tall palms are worked on safely with the proper equipment.
Red palm weevil (picudo rojo): what to watch for
The red palm weevil is a beetle whose larvae eat the palm from the inside. It is a serious problem on the Costa del Sol, especially for Canary Island and date palms. By the time the crown collapses, it is usually too late.
We check your palms on each visit for early signs, such as drooping central fronds or holes at the base of the leaves. We can also advise you on preventive treatment.
To get a quote, send us a WhatsApp message with a photo of your palms, or use the form. The quote is free and there is no obligation. All fronds and fruit are taken away when we finish.