washingtonia robusta diseases

[whataview]

I want to know the most common diseases of Washingtonia Robusta (mexican fan palm). Specifically, any diseases or problems that result from using spurs to access the canopy. I'm aware of and use SRT when climbing these when a bucket truck is not possible, so that is not the purpose of this thread. However, of all the palms, I think these are the ones that get spiked the most. Also, other palms have certain diseases that are fairly common and more well-known to tree workers, for instance Fusarium Wilt of Phoenix Canariensis. What can a spur hole do to Robusta?

 

[jf1962]

You can't kill those palm ( Mex fan palms) , unless you cut them down Joe !!

Later in SO-CAL How you do on those date palms?

 

[cerviarborist]

They can succumb to infestations of Giant Palm Weevil here in Florida.. don't know about western states though..and don't think that would have anything to do with spiking.

Main thing to consider regarding spiking palms, from a plant health care perspective, is that they have only an apical meristem, any damage you do to the trunks...is forever.

From a climber safety perspective, being on a climbing system means that , once aloft, if any hazard is encountered, the climber can safely and quickly descend and/or be lowered from the ground, depending on the climbing system.

 

[JesseHuffman]

I have an SRT palm job comming. Washintonia filifera. (Fatty)
These have cats claw vines growing from the ground up so the big shot is the only way.
On Queens or other what I condiser tropical palms...NO SPIKES
Ladders and footstraps for queens for me.
Mexican fans get spiked...SOME DATE palms especialy need to be gaffed for climber safty.
I will change my tune when I see video of a productive safe trim job without them but I know we wont.
I have tried...There are many problems associated with a line set over the top of fully matured date clusters....it was some of the ugliest video ever...
trust me on this one

 

[cerviarborist]

Uglier than this, Jesse? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RryZV8NK9-Q

 

[JesseHuffman]

well you have seen what I am willing to put out there so just geuss what the stuff I edit out must be like.
Uglier than Large Marge Richard , yes

 

[whataview]

I hear you javi, I have never seen any kind of decay or disease result from spiking fans, other than the actual spur hole. I spike my fair share of them, and would agree that safety of the climber comes first.I'm curious if any one has more info to share.