Even on such large specimens, the foliage of 'Chabo-hiba' becomes very fine and compact with regular selective trimming.
The individual fronds can grow naturally at any angle, so those that are not at or near the horizontal plane are removed to keep the foliage neat.
Foliage fronds tent to grow in layers, like shingles on a roof. If you lift one of the upper layers you discover than beneath it is another smaller frond. By smaller, I really mean smaller - just look at how fine this foliage has become on a tree that is at least three feet (1m) wide!
The upper larger fronds are cut off to allow light and air to the smaller fronds beneath. This constant trimming produces an incredibly dense pad of foliage and stimulates inner adventitious growth that will be useful in years to come.
