Everyone loves checking out the palm trees that dot our landscape. They add a certain feel that cannot be replicated.
Even when we come across them in our ordinary travels, they make us feel as if we have been transported to a tropical paradise. However, this amazingly lush look is severely diminished when we see a palm tree that has sheet metal wrapped all the way around its trunk.
It’s the sort of thing that is bound to make any sane person ask, “Why?” The answer is a simple one. While sheet metal may not have that much aesthetic appeal, it serves a very important purpose. The sheet metal reduces the amount of damage that is done to the tree. It also keeps all of the unwanted climbing pests at bay.
Did you know that the presence of palm trees is not just limited to the sunnier areas? In fact, these trees can even grow in areas that have freezing climates. That’s why it is even more important to provide them with all of the protection that they need. They will grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11, as long as you take the proper steps.
All palm trees will not need their own metal dressing, though. Trees that are grown adjacent to buildings or in locations that struggle with mammal pests are the ones that are going to require the most protection. Rats are the most problematic of all, as roof rats tend to cause the most issues out of any pest in these instances.
In fact, roof rats actually love palm trees the most. If these rats are allowed to make their way into the palm trees, it won’t be long before they are on your rooftop or in your attic. Since the last thing that you want to do is chop the tree down, you will want to wrap it in the metal instead.
One strip of metal between 12 and 24 inches wide is all you need for maximum effectiveness. If you are placing one of these metal bands on the bottom of the palm tree, you are also going to want to place it four feet high. Use a wire to wrap the band. Nails will damage the tree. The wire should be longer than the band is wide, so that the ends of the wire can be bent over it.
The more you know!