Are there any gentlemen out there who think theirs is not quite as big as other peoples, or perhaps not quite as erect? Is it well trimmed and clean? These are all important issues to consider when talking palm trees.
The old saying goes, ‘if you want something done…,’ well Rafael from the Clipper on the Paseo has rather taken things into his own hands concerning the palm tree outside his premises.
With the Municipal Garden Services suffering a lack of funds due to the crisis, the palms on the Paseo have become rather overgrown and dirty, blocking much of the natural light from entering many of the seafront premises. Well, not the lucky leaf bearer outside Rafael’s place!
Next time you drive by, take a look at how big Rafael’s is compared to all the others. Well groomed, clean, erect… it’s a sight to behold.
It cost Rafael €70 to get the palm cleaned and pruned, but he believes it is definitely worth it, and some other bar owners are beginning to think the same, “In addition to making the palms look much better, it improves lighting, as they grow taller and no longer obstruct the lampposts”, said one owner. Having said that, there are a huge amount of palms along the Paseo, and not everyone would take up the gauntlet, and let’s not forget, although well intentioned, it is still the responsibility of the Local Authorities to sort the trees out.
Residents and business people alike have repeatedly asked the Town Hall to at least sort out the leaves, to allow more light to filter through to homes and businesses.
The Mayor, Juan Carlos Benavides admitted at a Town Hall meeting that the service is now ‘overflowing’ and talked about the plague which can affect palms unless they are ‘cleaned’ before the arrival of Spring. La Herradura should have all palm trees sorted by San Jose in mid-March, according to the Town Hall.
So remember, if you are looking at yours and it is still looking limp, lifeless and in need of a trim, you can always do what Rafael did and take matters into your own hands…