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How to Disinfect Palm Pruning Tools

Use one of the four following methods:

Bleach: use a 1 part household bleach to 3 parts water. Soak the tools for at least 5 minutes and then spray with WD-40 to help prevent corrosion

Pine-sol brand cleaner: use 1 part Pine-sol and 3 parts water. Soak for at least 5 minutes.

Alcohol: use 1 part alcohol and 1 part water (Either rubbing alcohol or denatured ethanol can be used). Soak for at least 5 minutes.

Butane torch: heat up the saw blade with the flame

Unfortunately, chain saws and pole saws cannot be properly disinfected. This is one of the main causes of human-related disease spread such as fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. palmarum) which is lethal to queen and Washingtonia palms. It is best to have two or three hand saws so the saw or saws not being used can be soaking in the disinfectant solution while the other saw is being used. A quality hand saw can cut palm fronds just as quickly as a pole saw and with less binding or tearing of the rachis or petiole fibers.