The age of the tree cannot easily be determined since it has no annual growth rings. In a managed landscape, the dead fronds are removed regularly, otherwise they drop when the wind blows and clutter up the grounds. If the fronds are not removed, a dense skirt forms which provides habitat for a wide variety of animals. Barn Owls , Kestrels , starlings, even Crows, Mourning Doves , Roadrunners and Acorn Woodpeckers nest in the mass of dead leaves. Bumblebees build nests in them and Fence Lizards use them for basking and foraging for food.
Many raptors use palms for perches while resting, looking for prey, or digesting their last meal.
Now in the Joshua Tree National Monument, the oasis is part of the visitors center. They used the oasis as a public park and would not allow the trees to burn if a lightning storm ignited them. Unfortunately, the intense heat generated by the flaming fronds, combined with water used to quench the blaze, could kill the tree.