hurricane cutting
n.— «There is a practice sometimes called “hurricane cutting.” This involves removing not only all the dead fronds but all the green ones as well—including that batch of new fronds that sticks up in the air. Removing the fronds would inhibit the spread of roots and hence the growth of the tree. The problem with this is that it’s not a very good idea: It will kill the tree.» —“Poking holes in palm’s base could slow growth—or kill the tree” Arizona Republic (Phoenix) May 30, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In 1916, a small-town newspaper in Pennsylvania printed a fanciful item about a local gathering with a guest list that included, among others, Miss Ella Vader, Mr. Ray Zor, and other punny names. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
Why do southern Californians refer to interstate thoroughfares with the definite article, as in the 405 or the 8? This usage is a result of the history of freeways in Southern California, and is heard in a few other places, including Phoenix...