Palm Springs debates plan to remove palm tree skirts from thousands of city trees

A proposal to remove thousands of dry palm fronds from city-owned trees in Palm Springs is sparking debate over public safety and wildlife protection.

The Palm Springs City Council is expected to consider a plan Wednesday to remove the hanging fronds, also known as palm skirts, from more than 2,000 California fan palms over the next four years.

City staff says the project would help reduce safety risks by limiting the possibility of falling fronds and could also help control pests, including rats and cockroaches, that may use the trees for shelter.

However, environmental advocates are pushing back against the plan.

The Oswit Land Trust is asking the city to reject a citywide removal approach, arguing that palm skirts provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife. The organization is recommending a tree-by-tree evaluation process that would focus on removing fronds only from palms that present a safety concern.

The debate highlights a larger conversation in Palm Springs about balancing public safety, maintenance needs, and preserving natural habitat.

City leaders are expected to discuss the proposal during Wednesday’s council meeting.