Challenges of Owning a Canary Palm in Tenerife

Owning a house with a Canary palm in the garden may seem like a dream, but it can quickly turn into a headache for new homeowners. This often occurs when they encounter strict maintenance regulations that entail considerable effort and expense. This is the plight of Gerardo, a resident of La Laguna (Tenerife), who shared his experience with Atlántico Hoy. Two years ago, he and his brother purchased a property featuring a Phoenix canariensis, the endemic palm species that is regarded as a symbol of the Canary Islands.

Concerns About Maintenance

So far, so good. However, it soon became clear that maintaining the palm would be a burden. The palm, which is female and inundates the area with dates, must remain where it is, and Gerardo is responsible for all associated costs. “This is a protected species, and you can’t cut it down. You have to prune it and bear the expense of managing the pruning waste, which can only be taken to an authorised site in southern Tenerife due to the palm’s susceptibility to red weevil infestations,” Gerardo explained to Atlántico Hoy.

He further detailed that pruning, which must be done following prior notification and authorisation from the Cabildo de Tenerife, costs approximately £200. Additionally, paying a company to dispose of the waste generally costs between £400 and £500. “We prune it two to three times a year, and we spend at least £1,500. We didn’t even plant it here, yet we are obliged to maintain it, without any financial support from the authorities,” he said.

Investigative Protocols

Moreover, if the palm dies from natural causes, Gerardo noted that authorities would conduct an investigation “almost like an autopsy.” Owners cannot cut down the palm or simply relocate it. “If I wanted to donate the palm and transplant it, I would need authorisation and would have to bear the entire cost myself,” Gerardo explained.

Regulations Surrounding Canary Palms

This level of protection is attributed to the cultural and natural significance of the Canary palm in the islands. Consequently, its care falls under a specific regulatory framework that governs both pruning and waste management. In Tenerife, responsibility varies depending on whether the palm is located in a public or private space, with clear obligations in both scenarios. When situated on public land, pruning is the responsibility of the relevant municipality, which must ensure it is carried out during appropriate periods and by authorised personnel.

In the case of palms in private gardens or community spaces, the onus is on the owner. However, actions cannot be taken independently, as any intervention requires prior permission from the Cabildo de Tenerife, through the Biodiversity and Natural Environment Protection department. Furthermore, pruning can only be undertaken by companies or professionals accredited by the Canary Islands Government, thereby ensuring that proper techniques are used and phytosanitary safety protocols are followed.

Waste Management and Regulations

The special regulation regarding waste treatment is primarily due to the threat of the red weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), a pest that severely affects palms. Its spread is curbed through stringent measures. For this reason, unregulated pruning and the free transfer of palm waste are prohibited. There are also limitations on the transport and transplantation of specimens, which require specific authorisations and, in certain cases, prior treatments to ensure that the pest is not transferred from one location to another.

One of the more delicate aspects is waste management. Unlike other garden pruning waste, palm waste cannot be disposed of in municipal containers or general clean-up points. The risk that branches, leaves, or buds could harbour weevil larvae necessitates distinct treatment. Therefore, this waste must be handled by accredited companies that transport it to authorised facilities for proper disposal or treatment.