Trachycarpus fortunei

We recently stripped a Trachycarpus fortunei at the nursery and although I know we are not the first to do this, it has generated lots of interest. From the enquiries we have had, I would imagine there are a fair few Trachies being liberated of their woolly coats this year. Stripping this particular palm of its fibrous covering isn’t harmful to the plant and doesn’t affect its ability to withstand frost. The method for stripping is quite simple although a little time consuming. Take a sharp bread knife and begin at the bottom of the trunk. The bottom of the trunk is the toughest and once started you may at first wish you hadn’t, but rest assured, it does get easier the further up the trunk you get. Simply pull, tease and cut the fibres at the base where they are joined at the trunk. The result is a smooth, pale coloured trunk that becomes a rich, glossy mahogany colour in time. Probably not recommended for trunks under 120cm.