How do palm trees die of old age?

[BBBTree]

Their tops just fall off, right?

 

[NickfromWI]

Not always. Sometimes they just dwindle and the fronds fall off individually slowly over time and then you're just left with a trunk.

 

[BBBTree]

Well how do you know if you are climbing a palm tree that's too old? A guy might pull the head of the palm off on himself.