Replacing Dying Palms on Royal

By Dan Cabrera

    Of the original 83 California Fan Palms planted on Royal Blvd. in 1926, 76 remain.  Seven have been removed due to disease brought on by old age, fungus and rot.  Approximately six are scheduled to be replaced this summer.

    Although there are a few other palms on the boulevard that were planted privately, the palms planted in 1926 all have the botanical name Washingtonia filifera, but are commonly called the California Fan Palm.  This palm, with a fairly thick trunk, grows to a height of about 60 feet.  In an interview with Ms. Deborah Day, urban forester for the city of Glendale, she stated that there are plans to replace the palms in groups of three or so as they die or become diseased and require removal.

    Ms. Day did say that the City is actively attempting to prolong the life of the palms with fertilizing, spraying of fungicide, and careful trimming.  One primary element in fertilizing is potassium, a key nutrient for the palm.  The trees are trimmed every three years by a private contractor hired in 2000, West Coast Arborists.  They were last trimmed in 2003 and are scheduled to be trimmed again in July of 2006.

    One decision to be made is what size tree to use for replacement.  The palms will be replaced with the same type tree, but older, taller trees will not last as long and will cost much more.  Your board of directors will be maintaining contact with Ms. Day regarding this project, which is so important to the long-term beauty of our neighborhood.