I have had a branched sago palm tree in the yard since 1984 and it does look like a very elegant tropical tree.

It is not elegant if you get near it because it is thorny, has hard scales and very sharp needles on the green spears.

It looks best if you give it a once yearly maintenance cleanup. I have written about sago palm care in 10 Reasons Not to Plant the Sago Palm.

Through the years new discussions come to mind and I have added to the popular page new information, but it was getting a bit long and I decided to start this blog to add the new discussions that arise as my trees prosper in Southern California, even through a six year drought.

One of the main discussions I outline on the original page is how to trim the sago palm and the one essential tool is the lopper.

 

 

Example of Sago Palm Trimming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The two pictures here illustrate how a trimming can be done with no ill effects.

All pups are removed and the top is almost bare. A cone was developing on the middle branch and on the left a new flush of leaves is barely starting.

Three months later the tree is thriving.

California’s 6 Year Drought

During the California drought the three sago palms we have did not suffer any adverse effects: an indication this plant is a good choice for the water-wise garden.

All three of our sago palms have survived the Southern California drought of 2010-2016. The front lawn looks pretty bad. Can I convince my partner to give it up?