We have big issues with stink trees (trees of paradise - HUGE misnomer!) here. They look like palm trees though. I've often thought of taking one of them and doing decoupage on the leaves to make them more solid and long lasting and turning one of the smaller trees into a fake palm.

I did a search : pvc palm tree
Below is one of the things that came up. I don't understand it too well cuz there are no pics, but I believe it tells how to make a fake palm for outside.
Kathy

Here is a link that might be useful: Make a palm tree from pvc pipe

Thanks Kathy... yup, been on that site & they really need to inprove things.

It did give me an idea tho, there was a pic of a Bismark palm on the right side (ad) and I remembered how the coconut fish used painted palm leaves for the fins etc.

I may just make trunks of pvc and painted branches??? Think I'll try painting one & see how brittle it is.

You could visit the stained glass and mosaic forum and learn how they make forms out of diamond mesh in the shape they want then cover with mortar and mosaic. At least the base of the tree wouldn't be hard to make this way, tho time consuming.
Can't wait to see what you come up with.
Kathy

Now you're getting downright TROPICAL !!!! LOL