Something else happens when we remove all but the top few palm fronds. When the new leaf bud emerges from the top of the trunk, it needs to develop further and usually the outer fronds are used to support it as it grows more rigid. Remember, also, that diseases and insects such as the palm weevil can infect and eventually kill stressed palms. The death of the bud leads to death of the palm tree itself. Evidence of the results of hurricane cutting can be seen in the accompanying photo of Queen palms.
Plant food manufactured by the palm is stored in the trunks.
You will notice in the photo that there is a definite difference in diameter at the top of the trunks. The last few years of trunk growth were lean, probably due to lack of food to store. Proper nutrition and trimming could have alleviated the stress on these trees. Remember, prevention is always the best remedy. Palms should be trimmed to remove brown and yellow leaves, plus any infected by diseases or insects such as palm leaf skeletonizer, to keep them from invading other areas of the plant.