Guidelines for the Management of Coconut Plams pg.2

Listed below are some of the potentially serious defects or conditions that should be inspected by a Qualified Arborist:

1.Large wounds, cracks and cavities in the trunk (over 25% of the trunk circumference or cross section affected).
2.Penciling (abrupt tapering of the upper trunk immediately below the crown).
3.Significant hour-glassing (narrowing and enlargement of the trunk in an hour-glass form that exceeds 30% reduction of the diameter at the site of the hourglass).
4.Excessive root damage near the base of the palm (more than 25% of the roots within two-feet of the trunk).
5.Trunk flare restrictions (less than 1’ radius of open space around trunk).
6.Excessive dead areas within the root initiation zone (more than 25%).
7.Termite damage.
8.Discolored, stunted or deformed fronds or leaning or missing crown shaft.
9.Excessive trunk lean (over 35 degrees).
10.Growing under, over, or into utility lines.
11.Palms with trunk heights over 70 feet.
(As coconut palms age, replacement planting programs should be implemented.)

This brochure has been prepared by the Aloha Arborist Association (AAA), a professional association of arborists, tree care services and arboricultural consultants with experience and knowledge of the growth and management of coconut palms in Hawaii. AAA advocates proper tree and palm care in conformance with the standards and practices set forth within the most current versions of the ANSI A300 pruning standards and ANSI Z133.1 safety standards. A Qualified Arborist is a professional experienced in the type of work to be performed who has maintained an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist certificate continuously for at least 5 years, and can demonstrate technical knowledge and skill through conformance with internationally accepted arboricultural standards and practices.

The advice contained herein is of necessity general in nature and is intended as a guide. Each palm is subject to unique conditions that cannot reasonably be anticipated within this publication. The final determination for proper care and treatment of an individual coconut palm should be according to the recommendations of a Qualified Arborist who has conducted an inspection and assessment of the subject palm.

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