The MOST DANGEROUS TREE

In my area any way, the Canary Island Date Palm is one of the worst trtees to work on. Everything wants to get you. Spine thorns, RATS, Squirels, Spiders, Fleas, Dirt, Dust----ETC. Yep, this is the most hated of trees to work on. This work video features my new GoPro camera for some in the tree working video.

[@johnasumaa8644]

No need to apologize for your videos. They're all both instructive and entertaining.

[@hashimtowailib4233]

So many date palms in Saudi Arabia and where I am from in the Eastern part it is a produce tree. It is well taken care of in date farms. Traditionally we climb them step by step with a rope harness tied around the trunk and cut the branches using very sharp sickles. My grandpa asked me once to cut one with the chainsaw and I refused, it messes up everything ! This was really interesting to watch, it is something I could relate too!! Thank you

[@hashimtowailib4233]

This is a video of how it is done in my hometown kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5TRhatvftpom7c

[@waynerogers864]

@@hashimtowailib4233, very interesting and amazing video. Is that you doing the work?

[@hashimtowailib4233]

@@waynerogers864 No, it is a video of some locals doing the work. But, almost all older folk here in towns have date farms and can more or less do this work. It is considered a heritage.

[@FiendOfFilth]

Its similar here in Southeast Spain, near Elche, we climb with a rope and use what is called a Corvellote, which is like a spade-axe, and its considered offensive and bad practice to use a chainsaw

[@brodefineportraiture446]

you have a pleasant voice to narrate with. Very calming video

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks

[@jenkinseric2]

apparently there is a button in the go pro editing software that will remove the curves. As you may recall I haven't even owned a chainsaw for twenty years but I watched the whole video. YOu do a great job of presenting. Thank you. "listen to the old guy" :-)

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Eric Jenkins need to check that out

[@billrobbins5874]

The palms did look nice when you were finished. Didn't know about the spikes and how dangerous they are to trim.

[@okami3186]

Thats a huge monstrous palm tree! I really enjoyed your commentary and the whole video. The camera footage was such a thrill ride. Made the perspective so amazing. I learned alot from this. Be careful of the spikes!

[@sp33dy1979]

I had no idea such a beautiful tree would be both extremely dangerous and dirty.

[@ferrallderrall6588]

He's not joking

[@elsherk8275]

when they sting you in your wrist, it feel like your arm is broken

[@h2oquality2010]

There was a tree trimming man who was suffocated by a frond that pinned him to the tree. Not sure what state it happened in, but just horrific and sad.

[@benjurqunov]

Those nasty trees ! Lucky we can just burn the dead fronds off them.

[@scout-wv4ro]

palm trees are nasty because of snakes, ants rats, roaches and spiders. they are best removed completly or your property and home will become infested by those pests eventually. just one those spikes could kill you if the wind breaks a fron. if they are next to water extreme care should be taken because of venomous snakes. i saw a rat chasing and biting a snake in a palm by water and the snake jumped out of the tree nearly landing on a person next to me. this is especially dangerous in florida because of water moccasins or cottonmouth snakes. cottonmouth snakes are poisonous and do not rattle to give a warning. the same is true for pygmy rattle snakes despite their name they have no audible rattle to warn a person that gets too close. recluse spiders are also a big problem in palm trees because they have a nasty bite that immediately burns like a cigarette pushed against skin and can disfigure people for life. i have seen a girl who got bit by one on the leg and it looked like she had polio it was so bad despite going to the hospital, her leg muscles and skin were badly withered. having palms near your home also means you need the bugman to spray pesticides on your property and around your home constantly endangering children and pets.

[@alabalanutnbolt]

Definitely not long or drawn out. It’s as always interesting and informative. Those trees are never seen in the northern parts of England. The first palm trees we saw were in Spain and I was shocked at the knives growing only a few feet above my head. The dangers of these trees is emphatically brought home by your video. Cheers Blair.👍

[@gregbarsness9201]

55 yrs exp. here--Cert. Arb.-enjoyed your video-and agree with you as to the danger of these and their dificulty. i"m in S. Ariz. and had to do these in Phx. and also where I live 100 m. East of there. 2 years ago did one of these that was 40' and not been done for 12 years and I hand climbed it. I used the big shot to shoot over entire palm for a climbing line that I used later when i also used a flip line to get other limb on the way up, using comb. of chain saw, power pruner, and pole saw. I did it when 104 degrees out so had to come down 3 times from sweat and exhaustion--I was 74 then too understand. I still climb, but more picky now what trees I do, and do it only once a week at the most. If I do one again I'd take your advice and do it only when the weather is cooler so I could protect myself more. I shaped the trunk also so the tree really looked nice when done, and I did not haul anything for I didn't want to deal with the junk that came down--they could not find anyone else that would do it so they agreed to do this----it was in the heart of town so I could refer people to it later for references for it looked GREAT when done, so I took a little pride in doing it--wish I could show a pic here--not sure how--but I'm not sure I will do anymore. Got bloodly doing it but nothing deeply impaled me. I will refer others to your video here on these Canary Date palms. Thanks for sharing.

[@susanbarganier2282]

I'm afraid my mom has TWO of these beside her pool. I had no idea how bad they were until I tried recently to clean up the dead limbs. (The trees are about 20 ft. high.) I discovered the spikes. Mercy! I had to quit after about 2 hours of cutting and cleaning up after myself, but I'm 68 and no spring chicken. Now I'm heaitant to go back to finish.

[@johnknoefler]

Everyone loves palms till they have to clean up after them.

[@doreen5471]

I just got out of the hospital. Exactly what he says happened to me. I was trying to save money by cleaning my two trees up myself. I was pulling an old, brown large frond and it fell backwards and 3 spikes went into my head. One went all the way in. Had to get my head cut open to get it out. Was about four inches deep. Luckily did not pierce skull. In so much pain though! I should have spent the money to have a professional because now I will be paying it in the medical bills! 😢

[@Rocketman0407]

@@johnknoeflerfor those people get self cleaning palms.

[@Rocketman0407]

Just get a pole saw and be slow

[@mvblitzyo]

back in 1997 , the crew n I pruned the seed pods of about 20 date palms, we used hand pruners , to cut a path into the head of the palms and wiggled our way around pruning out all the seed pods and dead parts that were in the middle your explanation in spot on about this species of tree ..at the end I've had a few tree owners call me back one the years just because some tree guys made a mistake of cutting there tree wrong n now Im the only tree guy fro them yes it is a honor and a great feeling when the client alway super happy when you do there tree the way they like it plus the tree is happy and healthy ..

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Made me shudder thinking about that job.

[@matthewstone8466]

Great video! I appreciate seeing trees from different parts of the country. Can't recall the last time my phone range for a palm in Pennsylvania! The new camera work looks great.

[@63256325N]

Nasty trees is an understatement! Thanks for the video.

[@BinoH]

That Strawberry turned out Beautiful!!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Bino H thank you

[@Ttowntreeman]

we got them in Arizona as well ...thanks for talking more about the bucket truck ,its super cool!

[@michaelbouwer4285]

These trees are no joke! I had one go right into the eyelet of my boot complete 1 in a million shot.. went through one of the tendons in my foot as well and I ended up in the hospital having surgery do to the infection it had caused to save my foot. Some friends of mine in the landscape business know people that have lost limbs over these trees. Definitely nothing to mess around with. Thanks for bringing it to peoples attention how dangerous they can be. Need less to say I will no longer be trimming them !

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Every single nice and a while I still get “stuck” having to do one. Hate em!!

[@HoneyBee-zh9zw]

I don't understand why not just remove the spikes, will they grow back like gray hair and bring with them 7 more😂😂❤.., like why don't I hear about removing the spikes when the palm is young???

[@ShibbySessions-nr2st]

Wow that's so crazy

[@corychase4011]

Always enjoy your videos! Always lots to learn and the way in which the work is explained! Perfect

[@KennyInVegas]

Realy nice video..... thank you so much for your time and effort. I have one of these trees... yup, A REAL MESS !!

[@fynbo1007]

You ew gopro looks amazing, love wide lens so I can see what you are doing. I hope your daughter is all right. Thank you for sharing your amazing story’s. God bless you and your family.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Carsten Andersen Thanks. Are you speaking of my daughter with Lyme?

[@fynbo1007]

arboristBlairGlenn, yes it’s about her. Is she better or ?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Carsten Andersen thanks for asking, my daughter has been fighting Lyme for 9years. Getting better? Not really. Learning to live with it, yes.

[@fynbo1007]

arboristBlairGlenn, I will continue to pray for you all. I hope you all will get the peace of God. God bless you and your family.

[@TonyMontgomery18]

Got one of these in my yard, so far been able to cut dead fronds with long pole saw and have fun dodging them as they fall and bounce in unpredictable directions haha, never got poked too bad, but it just got tall enough that I started using a ladder. I just cut the thin part of the frond about 2 feet from the trunk, and after a couple years I can pull the remaining thick bases of the fronds off the trunk. So the trunk looks clean almost all the way up, then there's a couple feet of dead frond-stumps that aren't loose yet, and above that are the green ones. Never seen any edible dates, but I love these things, so cool to have my own bigass palm tree right in my yard 😁

[@shannasongbird]

Great video - really good at communicating the process - and making a point of how to protect yourself from injury!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

“Making a point”? 😊

[@shannasongbird]

Funny. That was kinda like a pun. I meant it was good you stressed how important it was to protect against the barbs. The stories you shared were intense.

[@trooperandcooperale3057]

Younger years, the boss got the spike through his gloves and into the webbing of his hand. He manage to get the glove off but the spike had broken under the back of his hand but the point was showing. And yes the way they serrate backwards and tamper to the point, we only had oneway to go. A pear of pliers and pulled it right through. But how your friend with it through his wrest didn't get septicemia is incredible. Client broke one off in her large butt check, before travelling by air to England from Oz, she was dropped off in Singapore and went to hospital in agonizing pain. Hate those trees, I get spiked and I reach like and old man with arthritis with stiff fingers all curled in. I don't like mowing underneath them, I've been there when one fell like Thor's hammer with spikes on the ground behind me.

[@scotttam7491]

I'm glad I don't deal with palms lol I never knew they had those spikes. I saw that video of the guy going on that crazy ride in Palm an started a little Bing on palm tree vids. Iv watched alot of your vids before we talked about sena s one of your video lol. But thank you for your vids love the commentary.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Sena’s would be nice but i still like hand signals.

[@scotttam7491]

@@arboristBlairGlenn I don't mind hand signal beside doin crane work . But I bought sena only because well crane work lol and that I climb for a few different companies an I don't work with the same ground guys all the time so I found the chipper would be going an im screaming an no one listening to me I bought 2 sena an I Bring them with me an make whoever running rope wear my extra helmet if they don't have a sena allready. When I work with some guys that we all know each other well and no what should be done i don't use but basically there some old school guys that don't need my instructions lol. I assume you work with the same guys on the regular. Being a contract climber can be tuff just cause some of the guys that pay me the best are the worst tree guys lol then add the chipper noise in an things go bad fast or i can get very aggravated. I watched another of your vids with u climbing an they took all your brush away so it wasn't there for protection you got a little mad till u went swimming well amagin dealing with situations like that an worse day after day an guys that can't tie knots right all kinds of basic industry standards they don't know you gotta be able to talk to them very clearly 😉 😄 for my safety an so I don't blow a gasket yelling lol

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@scotttam7491 👍🏻

[@BrowncoatBlue]

Wow. I'm lucky I found this! Thanks for the info. I almost purchased some of these! Hopefully, Sylvesters aren't as bad?

[@crepin2535]

after watching this video i can safely say that those trees are nastYYYY!! Loved it.

[@tdbarton7712]

I"m still with you. I will never trim a palm like this but found your video extremely interesting. You have a great narrative voice. In 2022 there is a beetle attacking the heart of these Canary palms in So Cal. There are dead palm trees by the 1,000s across the region.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I have heard

[@thiggy1249]

Well, Blair I do not have any date trees in my Alabama yard, and the only trees of this type I have seen were actually in the Canary Islands when we visited friends some years ago. One of the most interesting trees I saw in the Canaries was the Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) However, I still enjoy your informative videos and have learned quite a bit about tree care. Please keep the videos coming. Thanks.

[@chocolatechipslime]

There are a few good sized date palms around south Alabama, I have a small one in my yard

[@patrickkennedy3786]

What a job! Love that saw sheath. Is that just a plunge cut 8 by 4? Genius.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Patrick Kennedy glad you noticed. Simple but I like the sideways angle better than over the edge, straight down. Only fits small saws

[@lilitjermagian9132]

excellent video, not boring at al, somewhat salifying to see the job after. Thank you

[@evelynshaw3932]

Great teaching. Thank you.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@evelynshaw3932 thanks

[@petershea3131]

I subscribed to your channel a ways back for educational purposes and I love your channel still. Listen to your elders, spot on.

[@michaeljamisontigers]

Got stung by one of those spikes 3 weeks ago right in the front where my foot meets my leg , still swollen and some pain but I don't think I have ever had something hurting for so long ever before . I saw the tree on google earth 13 years ago but it was removed before I bought the house next to my main house , well one of the seeds that sprouted only now got me .

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Yep, dangerous tree

[@RebeccaW]

My Roebelenii palms is gorgeous and I love all 9 of them in my landscape here in Florida. However, I agree the thorns are dangerous. But, I have nothing going in them as creatures here have to be afraid of those thorns. Even lizards 🦎 seem to stay away 😊 but, I think mine is Gorgeous and has grown big and beautifully since hey were very small 2feet when I got them put in. I think they are way prettier than all the other Boring palms here in Florida. As long as you keep them trimmed up and the trunk clean from cuttings, they are a beautiful addition to any landscapes.

[@bonniesayles2949]

I agree ! I always wanted a canary Island date palm and I finally got one about 15 years ago. I bought it for $10 in a 10 inch pot and it’s now about 50 feet tall and beautiful. I love it.

[@loadedfun4764]

MUCH MUCH RESPECT TO YOU! I as well tackle the hardest work first. I promise everyone this work in general is not for the weak of heart.... I’m clearing an entire property now and dealing with Years of palm growth as well ground debris. I’m up to 100 debris bags in 2 weeks time. Quick story- took down a bougainvillea this week in a pergola... 25 foot wide vine going two ways.... I had gloves on however nothing stopping the thorns. By night time I had so many sticks to my body that I was having difficulty breathing. The next day I could barely ball my fist up from how inflamed they were from the bougainvillea pricks.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

We have that nasty vine here as well. Only thing I can add is-- OUCH!!!

[@loadedfun4764]

I think I may have cut my last tree down. This is the third time some kind of lizard, either a Cuban Knight anole or gecko of some sorts come down from the canopy and stared me down. Nuisance tree or not I’m not cool with taking somethings home. Lizard or not they’re not stupid. 🦎 How often does stuff come down and check you out?

[@joe651dzd]

I climb these often enough on Maui where I live on deer stands. We just use silkys and repel down. Once you’ve done a couple you get the hang of how to do it safely enough, but the most dangerous part is taking out the flowers. Gotta dog up into the frawns to grab them. I got three deep pricks in my writing hands knuckles once and my hand swole up to where I couldn’t move it. Four days later swelling went down but pain didn’t completely go away for two weeks. Be careful w these. I would recommend initially using really thick gloves I have a pair of lobster harvesting gloves I like. Nice video

[@HoneyBee-zh9zw]

What kind of Palm tree is this

[@jamesmichaelfreer]

I like a longer bar to keep me away from the spines! I cut just outside the spines first, then cut a clearing up through the remaining butts and work from right to left too, when possible. They are definitely nasty! As an Arborist on the Santa Barbara city crew, we’ve done quite a lot of them!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

james freer everyone has their way of doing the same job. Longer bar is heavier and harder to handle. Good idea? Bad idea? I don’t know.

[@jamesmichaelfreer]

arboristBlairGlenn yes it’s a little heavier, but It gets the job done faster, and you can cut a larger swath! And if you can get above your work and work down, keeps dust and debris away from your face, By the way I did have a spine shoot through the cup part of my ear once, while trimming a small 6’ Phoenix ! It was shot back at me by the bottom part of the chain, I learned the importance of eye 👁 protection that day.

[@fflife6730]

Fun video. As the owner of four canary islands, I'm well aware of the dangers you explain. I've found the worst is just brushing against a thorn because the tip breaks off under the skin and gets infected and takes a couple of weeks to heal. I hope your warnings are heeded. I really hoped to see the finished trees. Maybe next time. Thanks!!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Sorry, they came out nice. Didn’t over do them.

[@pawsfurGod]

YES!! I can't stand ugly trees!!! I so glad I found your channel. It's like I was the only one!!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Welcome to my channel. There is a LOT in here so please explore.

[@Milllusos]

Hay boss nice job...i have one of these on a property that I own. But it has a bunch of babies growing at the base...my question is do I trim off completely to get to the truck...or sacrifice the main trunk and replant the babies ...will they survive?

[@absolutetreemaintenance2535]

I've had to work on plenty of them here in Australia and I've been stuck really good sometimes with them.

[@joejaramillo6621]

I had one of these thorns go in my wrist area. It went in at the lower palm(backside of my hand) and almost exited 1/4 of the way up my forearm.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

How long before it came out?

[@gregbarsness9201]

For those wanting guidance on these, read my comments below, but I want to add something I forgot to mention. On some of the dead fronds, I would use the pole saw to reach out on the dead fronds where they branch out and pull to me, then just JERK on them to put pressure on where they attach to the trunk and they would break off--makes a clean break--others would not break so later had to cut with a chain saw. Also, when about 1/3 of the way from the top I transferred from being strapped to the trunk to that climbing line I mentioned below pre-installed from the ground. Then, using foot ascender, climbed up above all the remaining fronds, including the green ones, to then use a chain saw, which is lot safer then, but still a lot of work.

[@kevin4209]

They are very beautiful when maintained. Which high end species of palm do you recommend to most home owners?

[@climbe4422]

Nasty tree .we don't have these hear in NH .what's the trunk wood like ? Does it make decent fire wood ?

[@edwinaaguilar9114]

Thank you for the feedback, well explained

[@justinmcnulty601]

I agree the worst trees ever to work on. Plus if you get stuck with the spines they have a bacteria that makes the area feel sore and arthritic for a few days afterwards. I was wearing leather gloves and still found a 1/2" long spine broken off in the back of my hand several hours later and didn't even know it was there. My whole hand was sore and stiff for two days afterwards.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Justin McNulty oh I know that feeling well! Too well. Caught one in the calf once and limped for days!

[@manuelsaldana2730]

Excellent and entertaining 👏 👌 video.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks

[@Carknocker001]

In addition to the critters you mentioned inhabiting date palms, I’ve seen snakes and lizards in them also.

[@johnrice51]

Just curious on why these people keep the date palm. In my area we try to eliminate anything that vermin are attracted to. Seems they wouldn’t want rats nest close to their house

[@lilitjermagian9132]

what saw are you using? Are they special blades?

[@tanglediver]

I can relate. We had a tree in my parents yard that I trimmed many times with hand saws and short ladders. Their lethality is undeniable! I saw one in Los Angeles inside a freeway cloverleaf that had NEVER been trimmed, it was huge and looked like 'Cousin It' from The Addams Family. Dead branches cloaked the entire trunk all the way to the ground. What a mess!!!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

And a fire hazard if homeless camp near by.

[@francobrothersLLC]

i started my bussuness a while ago and i still dont climb with ropes and stuff just by pure guts and holding on but i really want to learn how to climb to get in one of this trees

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

If you don’t understand the ropes, you are not being safe

[@willmegehee]

Not a kind tree at all... I snagged a 1 inch thorn into my wrist as a child and had it removed surgically... most of it. About 3/8” hung in there for a few more weeks. I cannot imagine having one of those nasty spines for a year. Wow... this tree will not be allowed in our yard. We might be far south enough to have it but not with those spines. Still, the job you all have is better than being stuck in a computer chair all day longing to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks for sharing!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Will Megehee most of the time I love my job. Even this one made me proud (when I was done!)

[@Wichozoni]

We have a smaller one of these in my backyard that I've been trimming every year or so. Can these be trimmed all the way to the trunk like other palms, or do you need to leave a few inches of the petiole against the trunk?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I have not seen them cut so harsh, and doing so would be tough.

[@zazugee]

I'm from the sahara, and we have alot of them here, in my garden too, 2 are over 10m high, few people dare climb up barefooted using a bucket isn't an option bc our garden i walled and there is no hangar door access i had no idea how fast the grow, like 1-2m every year just 2 days ago i hit my leg on one of the dry thorns on the ground when i was walking around at night in my garden, and we have scorpions too and one worker before found one hidden as he was climbing up i mostly cut or work those shorter than 5m because i can use a ladder, over that it's too much for me one short guy who worked for us before, used to walk from one palm tree to another like a crow lol, i coudn't believe it how he could walk over the palms like he was a bird

[@HoneyBee-zh9zw]

Can the spikes be removed and if so will they grow back or continue to grow?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Yes but a LOT of work. Grow back? No

[@kimwilliams7051]

Good video 👍

[@mijnosirrom6958]

I have 2 of these in my front yard, less than 3ft tall. Man do the little ones hurt. Never thought about when they get bigger😳

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Might consider the future now

[@Dogosmetal]

got any on gutting em out ?

[@pastpianist]

I have a bunch of these annoying palms. How do I skin it? It seems too fiberous and breaks my saws

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Not fun any way you do it

[@als484]

I’ve been trimming one of them for years it started out only 4 feet tall now it’s almost 18 feet at top of growth ball those spikes hurt for a long time after it gets you healed slowly

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Infections from these spines can be brutal. Be careful

[@marielg9143]

Love your stories

[@glutenfreejm3]

I also really appreciate your video, it isn't too long. I appreciate the detail you show. I have two of these to do, and I'm reconsidering my price. They are both next to a pool and have long old fronds that have those nasty spines sticking out. The old fronds are about a foot long. The client has two small children that likely to get seriously hurt by those spines. He sent me a picture of two palms done the pineapple cut way and asked me if my price included doing them like that... there's no way, just like you described in this video.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I never make money on these date palms. Even a good bid seems to end up with issues.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

You can do them with care but hard to get out without drawing blood.

[@glutenfreejm3]

Thanks Blair, I decided to withdraw my bid. I do other trees, but I have a fistula (dialysis access tube) built into my left arm from kidney failure in 2006. I got my transplant 12 years ago but the fistula is still there... it's a huge modified vein just under my skin on the forearm, wrist to elbow. If it gets punctured it's a fast bleedout, so my wife advised against the job 😉

[@Changing_the_game]

What machine or bucket lift are you using? Is it a lift from the truck or a tow one?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Truck mount

[@Changing_the_game]

Can I have more info on your lift please like a model and make I am interested for my starting up business in landscaping. Thanks for your time

[@huxter1]

i have one of these trees in my garden i hate it when i need to trim it lucky its a small one but still the chipper i use a heavy duty domestic and if i dont put mix wood with it the fronds just tie it up like bits of string had gone though it

[@kerry3710]

I cut the end off with spikes first, then the rest can be handled safely. All goes on the fire.

[@jonallaway2002]

I had no idea that a lot of people frown on using a top-handled saw one-handed! I thought the whole idea of top handled saws was so that you can use them one-handed. That electric saw looks brilliant - maybe I'll get one - are they a lot lighter than an 020 / MS200T?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Jona llaway I’m putting up a video now on the subject of one handed chainsaw work. Pros and cons.

[@gracelabrador5724]

how many inches is the bar on that chainsaw used for this video?

[@randomecitizen]

Very cool 👍 A leather jacket, or even the top half version used for welding would be handy for that. Whould be hot, but 🤷

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

The arms are the hardest to protect

[@michaeljohnson309]

I was climbing one and got into a huge wasp nest. That’s the worst because you can’t retreat fast enough.

[@waynerogers864]

GoPro wide angle is fine. I think we have gotten use to seeing the distorted view and it is not a problem; at least for me it's not. Being able to see the full scale of the work space is more informative and interesting I think. Great video as usual.

[@marykevanjaarsveld7139]

I have two of these in my backyard and what a nightmare. I’ve been stung many times, once piercing the vein in my wrist and blood was pouring out! And learned the hard way to clean the wound immediately, even if it doesn’t bleed since it does cause pain later, especially if it wasn’t cleaned. Such nice trees to look at but truely a menace!

[@joejaramillo6621]

When one pierced my wrist at work I had to work mostly one handed for two days after. Excruciatingly painful.

[@scotttam7491]

The old throw dirt on bad pruning cut lol 😆 😂 man the things some ppl do to trees

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

👍🏻

[@NoTraceSurvival]

Do the thorns cause swelling?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Yes, and infections! Ugly stuff

[@rich.e.1786]

I trimmed up my neighbors palm like this one and I was stuck several times and they hurt. One broke off on the top my finger and I pulled a half inch thorn out. They’re very sharp and very painful.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

They are dangerous, painful and the thorns can get stuck in you

[@kerry3710]

When I was about 10 years old I got a spike that went into the top of my foot. Dad tried to pull it out but it wouldn't budge ( me screaming) so the doctor put some kind of poultice on and a few weeks later it popped out. Very very painful. And I now own a property with four of these devil trees! I'd like one of those little saws.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I’m guessing you had to cut the shoe off?

[@robsx4280]

Great video and not too long. I can vouch for how nasty these spines are, I had one go through a glove and finger, it was a year before it was back to normal. Watch those bear wrists a well.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I got one in the calf once and I limped for weeks.

[@feathershed]

Blair, I like the wide angle view. Just don’t dance a jig in wide angle! Interesting to see you work.

[@shelleyp4168]

I have 3 of these on my property. We have them professionally trimmed twice a year. I don’t like them either. Our guys climb them...yikes! Before moving to Florida, I loved palm trees, not so much anymore. They are so messy! doesn’t look like those have been trimmed in a long time.

[@uranusneptun5239]

And I thought pruning the smaller ones is dangerous! If I ever have a large one I'll probably let the old fronds hang. Great job! Had no idea how bad those jobs actually are apart from the heights...

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I like most trees but these make me shudder

[@donaldsmith69]

I got poked just from watching this video. I'm in NE Florida, I hate those things as well. My climber got hit in the shoulder and went about 2 to 3in deep.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Stuff of nightmares

[@mattpadden2451]

Near the beginning of the video you mention the job is underbid. Do you regard it as underbid because of the time on the job, or the fact its an unpleasant tree to deal with?

[@jeffreymurdock8366]

Have one of these trees at the apartments I live in now. I so badly want to take it out because of the seed pods. They get everywhere and my dog has hurt his paw several times on them.

[@jeffreymurdock8366]

@Palms also the fronds have almost hit people many times when they decide to fall. And this things like 40 feet tall at least.

[@rdemm05]

I got a Sylvester date palm thorn in my had this summer trimming my grandparents date palms. It got infected and it was bad. It took 2 months to work its way back to the surface.

[@paulmorissette5863]

Too bad that you can't just put a match to them. Some years ago in San Diego there was a grouping of Mexican fan palms. They caught fire. Cleaned up nicely. Some black smudges, but overall a nice effect.

[@leesoffgridliving]

I live in Lanzarote. I was using a hand saw and got a spine in my hand behind my knuckle, it was the most painful experience. I've now had the spine in my hand for 10 years. The hospital in Lanzarote won't take them out. Stay away from these trees unless you had training from someone who knows what they are doing.

[@ferrallderrall6588]

Sweet deully

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

ferrall derrall low profile, I can get into tight spots, under limbs, over lawns.

[@ferrallderrall6588]

Nice,so many residential areas are built so tightly with lots of big healthy trees,thers not many easy ways or easy answers after ya got some giant tree or three hanging over,thanks on the reply mr Blair glenn

[@fostermckeon9504]

Electric Chainsaw. How do you like them?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Very much

[@kimzocco3911]

I've 3 Phoenix Canariensis palms I've grown from wee tots over 22 years... they're beasts now! I've been impaled many times & like your "wrist" story... similar to my ankle... No clue how. To the ER I went. Ugly scar. Used to do it ALL myself, now they're too big, scary & will ONLY hire "licensed & insured due to the fear of them harming themselves.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Then you really do understand

[@lukewebb7749]

Love this vidoe thank you

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Still hate palms

[@monoracional]

great video, i have 2 of these in my house i clean them twice a year, i know what you mean of how nasty they get, thanks

[@lindacharles3551]

Which palm seed are edible and which are poisonous?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I am far from a palm tree expert.

[@studentcollege3327]

I was pruning 40 yrs. old tree's leaves over 100 x dead leave's branches. I got injury my hands left thumb, left finger and right-hand finger, all got stuck in by this Canary Island Palm, I WEAR ALDI garden Gloves, color green, thick rubber with cloth material lining, Thorns still stuck in gloves, my hands very painful. I end up HOSPITAL today, Australian DR GUY 35 yrs. old, has removed 7 x thorns out my hands by knife to picker. Does your Leather gloves are still Stucks in by thorns?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Leather is better but still can be a problem

[@farmerbob4554]

I agree the Canary Island date Palm is a bear to work on. Worst I ever got it was a mature Mexican Fan Palm. The fronds have saw teeth that are razor sharp. I took a full sized frond across the forearm while throwing it into the chipper. Didn’t take stitches but it was close!

[@PureSwank]

Where did you buy thay chain saw?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Gardenland saw shop in Campbell Calif. they stopped carrying it though. Switched to Stihl. Don’t know why.

[@stevieph100]

Phoenix & Washingtonia palms are widely planted and are beautiful viewed from a distance, but they are as thorny as you say. Sabal mexicana and Trachycarpus palms are spineless and although they are both fan type palms are equally hardy and better, friendlier palms that should be used more. It's just that people plant the spiny ones because they see them more often, so that's what they plant.

[@diego5125]

Great Man !!!Thanks Sir..

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@diego5125 👍🏻

[@diego5125]

@@arboristBlairGlenn Btw, A man died this week got trapped under the branches. He went under doing the contrary of what are you teaching here. I feel bad for his family...

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

"The world feels like it's in a big circle" You nailed that one, Blair, unless you're a flat earther.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Jolkrae Remeark good one

[@tomspallone1868]

I have to do this. But I don’t have a bucket truck. I’m done with palm trees. I should just have the things removed completely.

[@gradywray5391]

I absolutely hate these palms. I have removed them and it was always miserable. Just talked a customer into removing a smaller one that we had been fighting and backing into for a week. That was a joyous occasion. haha

[@sallydeppe8575]

Why aren't you on the outside and up top as you start trimming????

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@sallydeppe8575 different species of palm are trimmed differently. If this was a fan palm, with a heavy build up that can sluff off, then a very different story.