(808) 344-1974
PO Box 791755
Paia, Hawaii 96779
PO Box 791755
Paia, Hawaii 96779
The Spikeless Method
How it Works
Spikeless Palm trimming uses a set of two platforms that attach to the trunk with steel-reinforced rubber belts that wrap around it. The downward pressure of the platform cinches the belt to the trunk and supports the climber’s weight without harming the trunk. The climber uses his arms to move the top platform up and his legs to move the bottom platform as he shimmies up the trunk. Not only do the platforms provide a non-damaging climbing method, they also allow plenty of support for the climber while he works to trim and clean the crown. See the pictures below for more details.
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Each trimming job begins with attaching the two platforms on the base of the trunk. |
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Here you see the Platforms in use. With his hands, Dave slides the upper platform up the trunk, hangs on it and uses his legs to slide the bottom platform up. This way he can quickly and safely shimmy up the trunk without having to puncture it with spikes. |
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It is especially important to keep the trunk of a tall palm strong and healthy to minimize the possibility of it snapping in high winds. Even though a climber is high up in a palm, the platforms give him ample support to do a careful job trimming. There is no need to over trim since the job of getting to the crown has been made simple and safe. |
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Here Dave prepares the ropes used to lower heavy racks safely without damaging any structures or plants below the palm. |
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Instead of using Machetes, which can nick and damage the palm, we useheavy-duty tree saws to trim the fronds closely leaving the crown neat. This method also allows us to remove more new growth from the center of the crown keeping it free of maturing coconuts for 6 to 8 months. Mature racks are lowered with ropes. Each coconut can weigh from 3 to 15 pounds! In areas where people walk by it is important to take the racks down before they drop unexpectedly. |
