Here on Maui thousands of palms were formerly climbed with tree spikes, a technique borrowed from logging and utility pole climbing. The holes you see on the trunks of coconut palms are not natural. They are from the huge metal spikes on the boots of climbers who have gone up and down their trunks many times. Such wounds in their stems would be unacceptable in ornamentals such as Roystonea regia.
The smooth grey columnar stem of the palms is part of its appeal. These holes are not only unsightly, they make the palm susceptible to insect and bacterial infection. Climbers with spikes could potentially spread palm diseases. Some trimmers still use this antiquated and damaging method, but Coconut Kuleana has evolved to a more intelligent method of climbing tall palms. Coconut Kuleana uses the Spikeless method of climbing.
Because a palm is not a tree, the trunk does not have a cambia layer that grows over wounds in the trunk. In other words, damage done to palm trunks is permanent. In addition, the angle at which the spike holes are made allow them to collect and store moisture which creates a breeding ground for insects and bacteria. Not only is this harmful to the palm, it creates unpleasant conditions for property owners who enjoy spending time outdoors. Another great reason to switch to Coconut Kuleana Palm Care and the spikeless method.
And most important of all, the spikeless climbing method allows our trimmers to climb with a higher degree of safety. Our climbing platforms with arborist harness and rope systems keep us steady and tied in so we can carefully and effectively clean and trim the crown of the palm. Rather than climbing down each tree, which takes up to 5 minutes per palm, our climbers rappel down in seconds allowing us to move quickly and efficiently. Read more about the Spikeless Method.