How much does it cost to remove a palm tree?
How much does it cost to remove a palm tree?
$150 – $900 cost to remove palm tree
$230 – $1,150 cost to remove palm tree & stump
Palm tree removal cost
Palm tree removal costs $150 to $900 for up to 60-foot-tall trees. The cost to remove a palm tree more than 80 feet tall is $700 to $1,500. Palm tree stump removal costs $80 to $250 extra. Total costs depend on the height, diameter, accessibility, and number of trees.
| Height | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 15’ tall | $100 – $200 |
| 15’ to 30’ tall | $150 – $450 |
| 30’ to 60’ tall | $200 – $900 |
| 60’ to 80’ tall | $300 – $1,200 |
| Over 80’ tall | $700 – $1,500 |
In comparison, tree removal costs $300 to $2,000 on average for oak, pine, and other varieties.
Average cost to remove a palm tree
The following table shows the average cost to remove a palm tree:
| National average cost | $525 |
| Minimum cost | $100 |
| Maximum cost | $1,500 |
| Average range | $150 to $900 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Palm tree stump removal cost
Palm tree stump removal costs $80 to $250 on average, depending on the size, location, and removal method. Stump grinding costs $100 to $250 and is the easiest removal technique. Removing the roots costs $75 to $150 per hour, and most projects take between 1 and 2 hours.
Palm tree removal cost calculator
Cost to cut down a palm tree near you
The cost to cut down a palm tree depends on the location. Palm tree removal in San Diego costs $160 to $975 on average, while cutting down a palm tree in Texas costs $130 to $1,250.
| State | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $140 – $925 |
| California | $150 – $1,150 |
| Florida | $130 – $900 |
| Georgia | $135 – $1,000 |
| Hawaii | $180 – $1,100 |
| Louisiana | $140 – $1,000 |
| Nevada | $145 – $980 |
| North & South Carolina | $135 – $975 |
| Texas | $130 – $1,250 |
Cost to move and transplant a palm tree
Palm tree transplanting costs $300 to $700 on average for smaller trees with a spade excavator. Moving palm trees 10’ to 20’ tall or larger costs $1,000 to $5,000 for digging and moving with a crane. All prices apply for transplanting within the same property.
Limited-access yards and moving the tree over a long distance have extra costs depending on the palm tree size and type.
Cost to remove leaves from a palm tree
Palm tree trimming costs $100 to $650 on average, depending on the height, type, and location. Palm trees need trimming 1 to 2 times a year before storms, according to the climate and tree type.
Additional cost factors
Tree size & type – Taller trees cost more to remove due to the larger equipment and safety measures needed. Palm trees with a wide diameter, big spread, and species with many spikes cost the most to remove.
Multiple trees – Cutting down multiple trees reduces the cost per tree.
Tree condition – Regularly trimmed trees have less loose fronds and are easier to remove. Damaged trees pose a safety risk and need removing immediately.
Insurance coverage – When a well-maintained tree falls onto the home, then homeowner’s insurance typically covers damage costs above the deductible. Coverage doesn’t include poorly maintained trees or trees that fall in the yard.
Accessibility & location – Trees close to buildings, power lines, or a fence need ropes or pulleys to direct the tree down safely, increasing labor time.
Labor – Extra fees apply for challenging site conditions, and working in bigger cities, or travel outside service areas.
Pests – Exterminating pests living in the palm tree before removal costs extra.
Cleanup and disposal – Hauling and disposing the wood costs $200 to $300 on average.
Permits – A tree removal permit costs $40 to $200 on average, depending on the location. Most protected palm trees need a permit and an arborist’s inspection to remove.
Landscaping – The cost of topsoil is $10 to $50 per cubic yard to fill in holes left after the tree removal.
If you're replacing an old, dead, or damaged palm tree with a new one, a new palm tree costs $200 to $400 for a small palm up to 4 feet, $450 to $1,300 for a 4- to 6-foot palm, or $1,000 to $3,000 for a mature palm taller than 6 feet, including professional installation.
Palm tree removal FAQs
When is it necessary to remove your palm tree?
To see if it’s necessary to remove your palm tree, consult an arborist and get a tree inspection. An arborist costs $100 to $250 per hour.
Reasons for removing a palm tree include:
The palm tree is dead.
Pests have infested it beyond recovery.
New construction or landscaping is underway.
The tree poses a safety risk to nearby buildings.
Roots are destroying the plumbing and drainage systems.
The tree is dying from loose roots, infections, or other damages.
How to get free palm tree removal
You can get free palm tree removal if the tree is on city property and poses a hazard to your home. You can sell your palm tree if it’s a slow-growing, rare palm species on your property. Local arborists or landscapers will buy and remove a valuable palm.
The most valuable palm trees to sell are:
Date palms
Mediterranean Fan Palms
Mexican Blue Palms
Do I need a permit to remove a palm tree?
You do not need a permit to remove a palm tree on private property if a qualified arborist or licensed landscape architect certifies it as dangerous. Check with the local forestry department to confirm if you need a permit since laws vary by location.
Can you cut down palm trees in Florida?
You cannot cut down sabal palmetto palm trees in Florida without authorization from the city land development department. This cabbage palm tree is the state tree, protected by state law. A certified arborist must inspect the tree and document it as a hazard before removal.
Getting estimates from palm tree removal services
Before hiring a tree removal service near you, be sure to:
Compare at least three estimates.
Check that the company has insurance, surety bonds, and licenses.
Confirm they have worker’s compensation insurance for all employees.
Ask if they have certifications from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or another arborist license.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select a company that provides a detailed quote and has 5+ years of experience.
Request a copy of the bid, contract terms, and warranty.
Beware of the lowest quotes that may indicate low-quality service.
Never give a complete payment up front.
Questions to ask
How long have you been removing palm trees?
Can I see photos from your past jobs and a list of references?
How much does the initial onsite assessment cost?
Does the local government have any laws protecting this tree species?
How will you protect my yard and home from accidents?
Do you offer palm tree removal as part of an annual landscaping service?
How long will this job take?
What size equipment will you use, and how much space will you need?
Will you need to remove any fencing for yard access?
Do you charge extra for stump grinding, trunk cutting, and disposal?
How much does it cost to fill in the leftover hole with new dirt?
Can you inspect the other trees on my property for damages?
How large is the crew, and what type of safety gear do they wear?
Will you pull permits beforehand?
Does this estimate include all labor, materials, equipment, and cleanup fees?
What other common extra fees are not in this bid?
Who will supervise the crew, and how do I contact them?
Do you offer any service warranties?