Over 12 palm trees were in desperate need of pruning.  We removed any and all dead or diseased fronds.  You need to be careful when you are doing date palms as their fronds carry 7.5" spikes near the base of the frond. When (I saw when because doing that many it is bound to happed) you are stuck by one of these spikes, the area becomes swollen and painful. The spines don't have a particular toxin or poison in them, but they do carry quite a bit of nasty bacteria that an induce infection.  It is not a fun day doing tree work when you get stuck in the back of the hand with one of these guys. My hand was swollen for 3 days straight! Historically (see picture below) palm trees have been seen as notoriously dirty trees.  They are home to bark scorpions and many native Florida snakes (rat snake most common). Did I mention Black Widow spiders? Those too.  Needless to say, palms aren't my favorite pruning job there is out there.