Trimming palms is a dangerous procedure, not only to the person doing the trimming, but anyone and any thing in the immediate area. When the debris is removed from elevated positions of the palm,  it is simply aimed and released and hopefully lands in a desired area or “target area.”  Due to the height from which the debris is dropped and the natural tendency of the debris to "sail" on its own, the actual landing area can be some distance from the desired location (twenty feet or more). Thus, there is a risk that debris could unintentionally hit people, vehicles, property or other vegetation, causing damage.  Moreover, because the debris may land in many different locations, significant time is required to gather and dispose of the debris after trimming.
Every year I hear of companies damaging properties such as sky lights, roofs, vegetation and flower beds to name a few. Some customers have been so accustomed to this practice for so long, that not only do they accept it, but order replacement products before hand.
​ I am a Certified Arborist and own my own tree company called Greenfield Land Services in Phoenix, Arizona. and I
​developed and patented this device to aid in trimming palm process.

My invention comprises of a lightweight, yet sturdy mechanism with a chute that extends to the ground, and attaches to a palm tree during the trimming phase.  Upon trimming of the palm fronds, the fronds can be directly inserted into the chute, or to a specific location on the ground, including near the chipper or into a truck or trailer.  This eliminates the concerns for property damage or personal injury due to falling fronds and seed pods, and additional labor for clean up. I maintain the trees and palms for several of the most prestigious resorts in the valley, the Marriott at Desert Ridge and the Camelback Inn and Spa to name a few, and so far the feedback as been nothing but positive. 

Compare the two pictures above. With the aid of the chute, the fronds and fruit are already sorted and ready for clean up. Without the chute, the fronds and fruit are mixed and need more labor and time to organize. This results in higher costs, and is a time consuming part of the trimming process.

Above are examples of the restricted working conditions in which we must operate. These include pools, turf, immaculate landscapes, high traffic areas and roadways.

This is one of the most recognizable resorts in Arizona, as with most resort settings, there is often little room to drop the debris. Many palms are not accessible from a lift or boom. The only option is to physically climb, this increases the risk of injury to guests and damage to property. The debris chute eliminates most of the risks involved in such precarious surroundings.

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Above is the project before and after completion. No damage to the property, flower bed or surrounding trees. No debris to clean out of the flowers, or stains on the flagstone. The debris chute is one of the reasons I am invited back year after year to this well known resort.

​Save on labor costs and replacing damaged or broken property. The chute is made of ripstop material (similar to parachute material). This gives it strength, but lightweight so it can be attached to the palm, or if need be, attached to a buck/boom. The chute is also comprised of several sections that are connected by industrial grade zippers, this serves two purposes. 1) sections can be added or removed depending on the height of the palm 2) If any section is damaged, it can be replaced rather than buying another complete chute.