How much does it cost to trim a palm tree?
How much does it cost to trim a palm tree?
$100 – $650 average cost per tree
Palm tree trimming cost
Palm tree trimming costs $100 to $650 on average, depending on the height, type, accessibility, condition, and number of trees. The cost to trim a 30- to 60-foot-tall palm tree is $150 to $900. Palm tree trimming prices are $1,000 to $1,500 for trees over 80 feet tall.
| Height | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Up to 15’ tall | $50 – $200 |
| 15’ to 30’ tall | $75 – $400 |
| 30’ to 60’ tall | $150 – $900 |
| 60’ to 80’ tall | $250 – $1,100 |
| Over 80’ tall | $1,000 – $1,500 |
*Prices for trimming a single tree only. Discounts apply for multiple trees.
Average cost to trim a palm tree
The following table shows the average cost to trim a palm tree:
| National average cost | $375 |
| Minimum cost | $50 |
| Maximum cost | $1,500 |
| Average range | $100 to $650 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Palm tree trimming cost calculator
Palm tree trimming cost factors include:
Tree size – Trimming trees taller than 30 feet requires a bucket truck or crane with extra safety equipment that increases labor costs.
Number of trees – Rates per tree are lower when trimming multiple trees at the same time.
Palm tree type – Some species have more fronds, wider trunks, or prickly fronds that cause rashes, and these trees take more time to trim.
Tree condition – Higher costs apply for neglected trees with many dead fronds that need removing. Old palm trees with diseases or pests may need complete removal.
Accessibility / location – Trimming palm trees close to buildings, power lines, or a fence requires more precautions with higher labor costs.
Labor – An arborist costs $100 to $250 per hour with minimum service fees of one hour. Labor rates for tree trimmers differ per location.
Cleanup and disposal – Most companies include this in the estimate, but some may charge for it separately.
Emergency service – Emergency work costs $150 to $250 per hour on weekends or after standard hours.
Travel time – Higher costs apply for a crew working outside their local area.
Permits – Palm tree trimming typically doesn’t require a permit but removing the trees does in most locations.
Palm tree trimming costs near you
The cost to trim a palm tree in Arizona is $90 to $670 on average. Palm tree trimming costs $110 to $700 in San Diego. Other locations include:
| State | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $90 – $670 |
| California | $100 – $825 |
| Florida | $90 – $650 |
| Georgia | $90 – $730 |
| Hawaii | $120 – $800 |
| Louisiana | $90 – $735 |
| Nevada | $95 – $700 |
| North & South Carolina | $90 – $700 |
| Texas | $85 – $900 |
Palm tree removal
Palm tree removal costs $150 to $900 on average, depending on the height, type, and accessibility. Stump grinding costs an additional $80 to $250. A dead palm tree is a safety hazard, so remove it before it falls on a building or pedestrians.
Replacing the old tree with a new palm tree costs $200 to $400 for a small palm or $1,000 to $3,000 for a fully-grown or mature palm tree, including installation.
Palm tree trimming FAQs
When to trim palm trees
The best time to trim palm trees is in the spring and summer, especially when the oldest fronds are brown, dry, and drooping because they’ve died. Always trim them before hurricane season.
How often to trim palm trees
Palm trees need trimming 1 to 2 times yearly, depending on the climate, tree type, the tree’s condition, and the last time since trimming. Frequent trimming does not speed up tree growth.
What does palm tree trimming include?
Palm tree trimming typically includes an inspection, trimming the tree, removal of fronds, and a cleanup with debris disposal.
Should seed pods be removed from palm trees?
You should remove seed pods from palm trees near a home or busy pedestrian area to prevent damages when they fall. However, removing seed pods isn’t necessary for tree health. Fallen seed pods will sprout more trees in rural areas.
What happens if you don't trim palm trees?
If you don’t trim palm trees, then the dead fronds eventually fall and cause damages or injuries, especially during a heavy storm. Dead palm branches are also highly flammable. Neglected palm trees attract pests.
Getting estimates from palm tree trimming services
Before hiring a palm tree trimming service, 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.
Seek a company that has 5+ years of experience and will give a detailed quote.
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 upfront.
Always get a second opinion if someone tells you to cut down the healthy green fronds of a palm tree. Cutting too many healthy branches weakens the tree and slows growth.
Questions to ask
How long have you been trimming palm trees?
Can I see photos from your past jobs?
Do you offer palm tree trimming as part of an annual landscape plan?
How long will the pruning take?
Do you charge extra for removing fruit stalks, flowers, and seed pods?
What kind of equipment will you use, and how large is it?
Are you only trimming the brown fronds? If not, then please explain why.
Can you inspect the roots and the trunk for damages?
Will you disinfect the tools to stop diseases from spreading between trees?
What type of safety gear do you wear while trimming?
Does this estimate include all labor, materials, equipment, and cleanup fees?
What other common incidental fees aren’t in this bid?
Who will supervise this project, and how do I contact them?
What do you recommend for improving the health of my trees?
Do you offer any service warranties?