Guide to Palm Tree Removal Costs

How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Palm Tree?

If you have an unsightly palm tree in your yard, one of the first things to consider is how much palm tree removal costs. Before you call around to tree removal companies, it's a good idea to get an idea of what it may cost. So how much does palm tree removal cost?

The average cost of palm tree removal in the United States is between $500 and $1,500, but it may cost more if there are complicating factors.

This guide will give you all the information you need to estimate how much it will cost to remove a palm tree. Remember that the price ranges listed in this guide are averages, and your palm tree service costs may be more or less depending on where you live and what your tree situation is.

Palm Tree Removal Cost Factors

The average cost to remove palm trees can range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. While the cost of living in your area and the tree removal service you choose will play a part in what you can expect to pay, there are many other factors that affect palm tree removal prices.

Size of the Palm Tree

The size of the tree to be removed will be one of the largest factors in determining price. This includes both height and diameter, as both contribute to the palm's weight and affect how difficult it is to cut down.

We'll get more into the price you can expect to pay for different sized palms below, but first, let's look at some of the other considerations that can make palm tree removal more expensive.

Type of Palm Tree

It can be difficult to price the average palm tree removal cost because there are over a dozen popular palm tree species in the United States, and they can range from 5 feet to over 100 feet tall. Some palm trees have palm fronds with sharp thorns that make removal that much more difficult, adding to your costs.

Palm Tree Location

Before you ask yourself, "how much does palm tree removal cost?" you might want to ask yourself, "where is the tree located?" That's because palm tree removal services might charge more depending on the tree's location.

• Driving Distance: If the tree expert has to drive a long way to get to your property, then their travel costs will likely factor into your price quote.
• Accessibility: Trees that are hard to get to require more work in order to get the job done, which usually increases the price. It's always a good idea to clear the surrounding area from any obstacles or debris before the arborist gives you an on-site quote.
• Need to be roped: Palms that need to be roped in order to prevent damage to a nearby structure often cost more to remove. Lowering the trunk in pieces takes a lot of time.

As you can see, palm tree removal costs can climb quickly depending on your situation.

Emergency Tree Services

If a tree is dangerously close to power lines or otherwise requires emergency trimming or removal, expect to pay premium fees for the emergency service.

Hauling

Some palm tree services include the cost of hauling in with the price to remove the tree. Others charge extra if you want it hauled away once they cut it down, so be sure to ask ahead of time.

If you want to save on hauling costs, you might consider having the arborist cut the trunk into manageable chunks that you can then give away or use as free firewood.

Palm Tree Removal Cost By Tree Height

Removing a palm tree that's the height of a person takes considerably less effort than removing a tree that's as tall as a building, so it's fair to say that the height of the tree is one of the biggest factors that determines the palm tree removal cost.

Remember that different service companies have different rates, so always compare quotes before deciding on a palm tree removal service. The following costs are estimates based on average palm tree removal costs across the country. Your palm tree removal might cost more or less, so keep that in mind.

Small Palm Tree

A small palm tree is one that is less than 30 feet tall. Palm trees 30 feet tall and shorter are easier to work with, so they'll usually only cost between $150 and $450 to remove.

Medium Palm Tree

A medium palm tree is between 30 feet tall and 60 feet tall. The tree removal cost for medium palm trees can cost anywhere from $250 to $900, generally speaking. Queen palm trees are an example of medium palms, which grow to around 50 ft high.

Large Palm Tree

A large tree is between 60 feet and 80 feet tall. The height of the tree makes it more difficult (and dangerous) to cut down, so you'll see that reflected in service prices. Large palms usually cost between $400 and $1,100 to remove. Aa popular example of a larger palm is the date palm, which often grows to more than 75 feet tall.

Extra-Large Palm Tree

An extra-large tree is over 80 feet tall. The Phoenix palm tree is a good example of a palm tree that can grow over 100 feet tall. Removing a tree of this size can cost anywhere from $1,100 and up.

Dead Palm Tree Removal Cost

Dead palm tree removal should be done by a professional, especially if it's a larger species like a Phoenix palm tree or if it's been dead a long time. That's because cutting down a dead tree can be dangerous if the tree or fronds fall during the service, potentially causing injury or death.

On the other hand, a smaller palm tree that's been dead for a long time will be incredibly lightweight compared to a live tree, making tree removal service easier than average. In this case, the dead palm tree removal cost will be lower than it would be for a live tree of a similar size.

The average dead palm removal cost is difficult to pinpoint because there are so many factors at play. We recommend having a professional arborist come to your property to give an exact quote.

Cost to Remove a Palm Tree Stump

If you've already had your palm tree cut down and hauled away, it's very likely that you're left with an ugly stump that you'll want to remove next. The average palm tree stump removal cost will vary depending on things like its size and location, but it's generally relatively easy to do.

Most professional tree service companies will use a stump grinding machine for palm tree stump removal. This machine makes short work of stump removal, grinding it down into sawdust. You can usually expect to pay, on average, $75 and $450 for palm tree stump removal.

Palm Tree Root System Removal Cost

You might have to pay as much to remove the roots of your tree as you paid to have the stump removed. Average palm trees have a large root ball just below the end of the trunk, and the easiest way to get rid of it is to use the same stump grinder as the tree service pro used for the stump's removal.

You can save money on a second house call by having the arborist grind the root ball at the same time as the stump, but it will cost a little more. If you really don't want to pay for root removal, save money by simply leaving the roots in the ground.

The roots will break down over time, and you'll be able to plant over the area within several years.

Palm Tree Trimming

If you don't want to pay for palm tree removal, you might look into palm tree trimming instead. Regular palm tree care keeps your palms healthy so that you won't have to pay to have them removed once they start causing problems. Removing dead fronds is not only important to keeping your tree healthy, but it will give your yard a beautiful palm tree that increase your curb appeal and last a long time.

The average palm tree trimming cost is between $200 and $500, so you'll usually pay less for trimming than for removal. Trimming prices can vary depending on factors such as the tree's size and condition, but annual pruning is usually not too cost-prohibitive.

Before you set off to hire a tree removal company, It's always a good idea to have a professional arborist take a look at your palm to determine if it can be pruned and be saved. Often times a homeowner or property manager thinks that a palm is dead, when it actually has just not properly been maintained.

Does Palm Tree Removal Need to Be Done By a Professional Arborist?

We hear from a lot of people who simply don't want to pay for palm tree removal service. If a tree is less than 10 feet tall, it might be worth trying to take care of it on your own. However, trying to handle anything above that is a safety hazard and tends to be more work than it's worth.

Professional tree surgeons have the necessary tools, equipment, and experience necessary to quickly and efficiently remove your palm.

Do I Need a Permit to Remove the Tree?

Some states, such as Florida, require a property owner to get permits before having palms removed. However, most states don't have this rule. To be on the safe side, always check with your state and local government before removing a tree.

Compare Quotes to Get Better Prices

The best way to make sure that you are getting affordable tree service is to compare prices from a few local tree companies near you. You could call each tree removal company yourself, which would take hours, or simply request free quotes by completing the quick form on this page.