That's a beautiful triple Washingtonia robusta - Mexican Fan Palm - cluster. Yes, it will some day get 50' to 75' but I wouldn't remove it, despite the maintenance. Truthfully, you don't really have to trim them unless you want to. Here in South Florida, they are often left to grow "beards" as the old, dead fronds just form a skirt below the green fronds.

I agree,that is a very nice grouping.Especially with the lean of the left palm and the fused look. You might want to keep that clump..maybe cover the future telephone pole view of the trunks with smaller or slower growing palms. A layered look.

Thanks for the feedback!

They do look really lovely now - all three 'groups' look exactly like this one (palms in perfect threes). Wish I could force them to stay this size forever!

My husband is pretty sure he doesn't want nine 50ft+ palms in our yard though. So I guess I'll post them on Craigslist and see if anyone wants them.

Worst case we'll cut them down - It really is a shame :-/

Being in Cal, i doubt anyone will want them, they grow like weeds. I would contact local nurseries and/or comercial developments. They might be interested in taking them off of your hands.

Oh my gosh. I can't imagine just cutting down those washies! =o

Your husband doesn't realize how lucky he is to have such beautiful palms in his yard, and what some of us northern growers would give to be able to have them in ours.

But you gotta do what you gotta do! Good luck finding a home for them.