Maintaining seed pods is an aspect of palm care that is quite confusing. Some palm trees produce pods. The queen's tree is a species of palm tree that is popular for making many seed pods; many people do not like these pods as they do not seem aesthetic.
Some don't want the pods because of the litter they make when they fall off the tree. The last group doesn't want the pods because some are toxic and can harm the skin. So, should seed pods be removed from palm trees?
YES! You should remove seed pods from palm trees because of so many reasons which we will discuss later in the article.
Table of Contents
What Are Seed Pods on Palm Trees?
Every tree passes through the reproductive cycle which ends up producing seed pods, fruits, or nuts. These are on top of the palm tree, and they indicate that the tree has a healthy fruit and reproductive cycle.
What Is the Frequency of Seed Pod Production in Palm Trees?
How often the palm produces these seed pods is dependent on the variety of the palm tree. The majority of palms make seed pods every year after they have attained maturity. And maturity for some palm trees can take a long time; between 5 to 15 years.
Should Seed Pods Be Removed from Palm Trees?
Yes, you should remove seed pods from palm trees. And here are the reasons why:
- Seed pods create a mess. Debris, fruits, and seed pods would be your enemies if you planted the palm trees solely for their aesthetic appeal. Remove the seed pods to avoid the tree littering those white beach sand with pods.
- Fruiting palm trees are potential hazards because the pods can fall anytime and harm whoever is standing under the tree. To avoid this accident, it is best to get rid of the seed pods. If you planted your palm where many people pass through, remove the pods even before they start fruiting.
- Some trees' pods are harmful when they make contact with the skin, so it is best to remove and pack them up elsewhere than let it fall and touch someone's skin.
Since the palm produces these pods every year, it is ideal to prune your tree once a year. Cut them off properly to enhance the outlook of your palm tree.
Carry out this pruning during the summer or spring because the palm will have difficulties healing if you cut them during winter. Also, the palm tree is at its weakest and vulnerable to diseases during winter.
Does Removing Seed Pods Make the Tree Grow Faster?
Many gardeners have lived and grown with the notion that pruning palm trees make them grow faster. This belief is a myth, and no evidence supports it.
Whether or not you trim your tree, the palm will grow at its pace. Excessive pruning will even endanger your tree and damage it. And we are sure this is not your intention for your palm tree.
Can You Eat Seed Pods?
Whether a palm tree's seed pod is okay for eating or not is dependent on the variety of the tree. The majority of palm trees produce edible seed pods though they don't taste fantastic when they are merely seeds.
But these seeds grow to be pleasant fruits enjoyed by everyone world over. They become dates, acai berries, and coconuts.
Acai berry is a healthy option with a lot of healthy fats and antioxidants. Nutritionists and doctors see it as a superfood.
A few palm varieties produce seed pods that are not safe for consumption. One of them is Formosa. The seeds of this tree are toxic to the skin and can cause skin irritation. Fishtail palm species are harmful too. If they come in contact with your skin, they'd leave blisters all over the area.
The worst on the list of harmful seed pods is the areca. Its seeds are carcinogenic. The fruit can increase heartbeat and cause hypertension.
Conclusion
Should seed pods be removed from palm trees? Yes, get rid of seed pods from your palm tree, so they don't litter your environment. When they fall on the ground, they also attract insects and other pests that can attack the tree after consuming what is on the ground.
Due to some of these seed pods' toxicity, one must wear protective gear while removing them. An overall, google, boots, hand gloves, and helmet, would suffice. When you bring the seed pods down, dispose of them properly to avoid attracting pests and insects.
Recommended Reading:
- Should I Remove Flowers From My Palm Tree?
- Will A Palm Tree Die If You Remove the Top Off?
- How do You Treat White Fungus on Palm Trees?
