Frozen or dead palm tree? Citrus tree in Tucson?

Recently we were interviewed by a freelance writer for the Arizona Daily Star about freeze damaged Palm Trees and Citrus Trees in Tucson. After a 30 min phone interview I realized I had yet to write thoroughly on this subject and advise Tucson on what to do. (P.S. This article came out March 20th 2011 and we are happy to help get the word out there.)

In one word ..... WAIT!

The most effected palm tree is the Queens Palm. 100's if not thousands are dead and in need of removal. Even so, we advise Tucsonans to wait through the summer to see if there is any new growth. Generally if there is any green in the center it will be ok. But the amount of damage to each tree is hard to determine. California palms and Mexican fan palms are more resilient with the Mexican Fan suffering the most. After estimating trims on over 70 Palm trees at and apartment I realized that 10 or so of them would die the reason due to them being over trimmed last year. They had no dead fronds to defend themselves with and were very prone to freeze.

The citrus is a tree that I have gotten alot of calls on and turned them all down. Wait is the answer. Citrus trees respond to a light tip pruning in spring and a heavier pruning in fall. By fall you will see the new growth and see the dead allowing you to prune the tree properly. If you must prune now do so with caution. Scratch the bark and if you see any green or moisture its alive. Citrus trees by nature do not respond well to a heavy pruning so be careful.

Cactus is another story. They show damage immediately. With prickly pear and like cactus you can cut out the dead now, they are very resilient. Organ pipes and fence posts may need on or two removed from the cluster. Saguaro and barrel cactus will be fine, they may curve or change shape due to the damage.

Hope this info was helpful and wish you all a great Spring. As always check out all of our Tucson Tree Services.

4 Comments to Frozen or dead palm tree? Citrus tree in Tucson?:

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Melanie Smith on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:51 AM

Chris - You have proven to me that you are a true arborist! I couldn't be more happy with the removal of my two large pine trees you recently handled AND......you are right on cue with this posting. My queen palm has just recently shown signs of surviving the freeze along with my citrus tree (new growth on both is now evident). The 5 Mexican Palms I have in my yard appear to be ok. After reading this blog, I am glad I did not have them pruned last year or they may have fallen victim. You are a true professional and I will be sure to recommend your services to anyone I hear in need! -Melanie Smith

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Patrick on Friday, May 06, 2011 3:42 PM

Great info.. I found your blog *just* as my wife and I were about to >heavily< prune our citrus trees!!! Perhaps you can advise me about what to do about the new growth at the base of the trees. All of the frozen trees have LOTS of what I would call 'suckers' growing at the base. Trim those? Or let them grow uncontrolled? I will be busy scratching branches now and probably marking good limbs with a green sharpie... Would love to hear your advice about the suckers!!! :-) Thanks for the info, it did help. Sincerely, Patrick

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	Ron Stirling on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 10:59 AM I too have lots of green showing up in my severely frost damaged grapefruit and lemon trees. A lot of the green is in the form of long suckers coming from the trunk or a main stem. I know I should not prune too severely during the intense hot weather; otherwise I could expose the trunk to sun scald. What to do with the suckers?? I value your opinion!

Tree Removals on Saturday, October 22, 2011 6:49 AM

Nice post...

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