Established palm trees may hold value for landscapers and nurseries, making it possible to have them removed at no cost.
It is going to require some calling around and a bit of luck.
If you do have a highly sought-after palm species — such as Mexican Blue Fan Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm, Guadalupe Palm, Pindo or Jelly Palm, and Senegal Date Palm — call around to local nurseries and landscapers and ask if they would like it for free.
If you’re lucky to have an exotic palm species, you will not only be able to remove it for free, you may also be be able to get some cash in return. There are local nurseries and landscapers looking for established trees and palms for landscaping jobs.
Here are steps to guide you if you want to sell your palm tree for cash.
- Start by figuring out if you have permission to remove such a tree. Some cities have laws against removing palms (or other) trees. You may need a permit to remove the tree.
- Next, you will need to find a buyer. Phone all local nuseries and landscapers and tell them the type of palm, it’s condition and access for heavy machinary.
- Also, try to determine what the tree is worth. Take a photo of the trees and figure out the species of palm it belongs to. Phil Bergman of Jungle Music Palms & Cycads has a reference guide1 on identifying the various palm species of Southern California.
Below is a list of companies that pay for removing palm trees in different states.
Feel free to explore further if your state or area hasn’t been covered here.
| State | Company | Contact Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Belleair Palms | 800 223-0319 | Website |
| Foundation Masters | 813 614-1718 | Website | |
| CALIFORNIA | South West Wholesale | 888 326-7256 | Website |
| Jungle Music Nursery | 619 291-4605 | Website | |
| NEVADA | Moon Valley Nurseries | 408 374-3964 | Website |
| ARIZONA | Moon Valley Nurseries | 408 374-3964 | Website |
| TEXAS | Moon Valley Nurseries | 888 695-4720 | Website |
Can I cut down a palm tree on my own?
Removing your palm tree yourself may be dangerous especially if you don’t have the right tools and safety equipment.
Trees that are close to buildings or utilities are especially delicate to be handled without expertise. It doesn’t only pose a danger to you but also to your entire neighborhood. Thus, it is mostly recommended to have the work done by a professional arborist or palm tree doctor.
If you plan to DIY your palm tree removal, it’s important to consider the following:
- Size of the tree: Trees that are below 15 ft can be handled by non-professionals. Beyond that, it’s best to involve a professional company.
- Dumping fees: You will have to cover the cost of dumping the logs and branches after the removal.
- Cost to hire the tools: You’re likely going to need a chainsaw at least. It’s important to consider the cost of hiring a chainsaw and the right protective gear.
How much does it cost to remove a palm tree?
There are a lot of factors that determine the cost of palm tree removal. Some of these factors include height, location, and type of palm tree.
Whether the palm tree will be cut into small stumps or the trunk will be cut into smaller sections are other indications that determine the price of removing a palm tree.
The table below shows the average price of palm tree removal based on the height of the tree.
| Height of Palm Tree | Cost of Removal |
|---|---|
| Small Palm (< 30ft.) | $150 - $450 |
| Medium Palm (30 - 60ft.) | $350 - $1,250 |
| Large Palm (60 - 80ft.) | $850 - $2,100 |
| XLarge Palm (80 - 120ft.) | $1,750 - $3,500 |
Palm tree removal in my area
The fastest and easiest way to remove your palm tree is by getting 3 Estimates from the most affordable tree services near you by using this FREE service.
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- Scroll up to the top of the page and enter your ZIP Code in the blue form at the top of the page.
- Give us a few details about your palm tree removal job with your contact information.
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Signs that your palm tree is due for removal
Palm trees are mostly long-lasting trees that grow tall without posing harm to their surroundings.
It may become necessary to remove a palm tree as a result of one or more of the factors listed below:
Threat to buildings or utility power lines
If your palm tree is too close to buildings or utility power lines, it is an indication of impending danger. Sometimes, it may be safe to trim the tree and remove some of the fronds.
Most often, it is best to remove the tree completely to maintain a safe neighborhood. If it affects utility power lines, it’s important to call your utility company so as to get it removed by certified line clearance experts.
Unhealthy Palm tree
You need to assess your palm tree’s health from time to time. Whenever you notice the appearance of leaf spots, warts, discolored leaves, or collapsed tree trunks, then it’s time to remove the palm tree.
These unhealthy signs are usually an indication that the tree is not getting enough nutrients or possible signs of pest infestation. In the case of dead fronds or withered fronds, you may consider trimming the palm tree to restore its good health.
Uneven growth
When the growth of your palm tree is becoming uneven, it’s an indication that its nutrient pathway is being obstructed. To ensure that the tree doesn’t completely get out of shape, it’s best to remove such a tree.
Curled up leaf edges
When the edges of the leaves on your palm tree are curled up, it’s a sign of pest infestation. Such kinds of pests can easily spread to other trees that are close by. It is best to remove the palm tree to maintain a safe environment.
Discoloration of trunk or base
When the base or trunk of a palm tree is getting discolored, this is usually a sign of a dying or rotting tree. It is caused by insects boring into the tissues of the tree. This makes the tree prone to hazards and it’s time to remove it to prevent impending danger.
Limited space for growth
If there is no space for your palm tree to grow without posing a danger to the nearby buildings, you may consider removing it.
If you don’t have the proper training to assess your palm tree, you should call on a professional tree services company to help you with this.
Will the city or utilities cut down my palm trees for free?
If the palm tree is on the city’s land and poses a danger to your building, you can call on the right people to investigate. You’ll likely get it removed for free.
If the palm trees are also located close to utility power lines and pose obvious danger, they can be removed for free.
In such instances, you need only report to the appropriate authorities, and you’ll be eligible for free removal.
- Phil, (2019) Palm Tree Species Quick Refrence Guide. <https://www.junglemusic.net/Quick_Reference_Palms_Species_for_Southern_California.html> Accessed: 16-03-2024.
