Palm trees might look good in a yard, but when it’s time for one to go, it’s not cheap and it’s not simple either. A lot of homeowners don’t realize that palm tree removal costs can vary a lot depending on a few key things. So, before you call someone and get surprised by the price, let’s break it down.
How Much Does Palm Tree Removal Cost?
It usually runs between $250 and $1,200. That’s a wide range, but here’s why:
- A small palm, like 10–15 feet tall? Maybe $250 to $400.
- A medium one, say 20–30 feet? You’re looking at $400 to $800.
- A big one, 40 feet or taller? That’s $900 to $1,200+ easy.
There are cases where it goes over that, especially with really tall or dangerously placed trees. If it’s near power lines or leaning toward a house or fence, it’ll cost more. We have to bring in extra gear and crew to make sure we don’t mess up anything nearby or risk getting hurt.
Why Does Palm Tree Removal Cost So Much?
Palm trees are heavier than they look, especially the tall ones. Their trunks are dense and fibrous, and they don’t taper the same way oaks or maples do. Most of the weight is in the crown at the top. When you cut it, that thing drops fast and hits hard. If you’re not set up right, you’re going to break something or someone.
Also, palms don’t rot down the same way. Even dead palms stay solid. Sometimes we have to cut them in sections from the top down, especially if there’s no room to drop it whole. That takes more time, gear, and labor.
And then there’s the cleanup. Palm fronds are a pain to haul off. They don’t chip down clean like other branches. They’re stringy, heavy, and full of moisture. Most dump sites charge more to take them because they clog up the grinder.
What Affects the Price?
Let’s get specific:
- Height and trunk diameter – Taller = more dangerous. Bigger trunk = more cutting, more weight to handle.
- Location – If your palm is right next to your house, fence, or power line, it costs more because we can’t just drop it. We need to rig it down with ropes or lift it out with equipment.
- Health of the tree – If it’s dead, hollow, or diseased, that might sound easier, but it’s usually not. Dead palms can be unstable and unpredictable when cutting.
- Access – If we can’t get our truck or lift close to the tree, that adds time and labour. We might have to hand-carry sections out or bring in a smaller lift.
- Stump removal – Not always included in the quote. If you want the stump ground down, that can be an extra $75 to $300, depending on the size.
When Should You Remove a Palm Tree?
People wait too long. They’ll let a dead or leaning palm sit in their yard because it’s still standing. That’s a mistake. Once it starts dying or the roots let go, that’s when it gets dangerous. A falling palm can crush a fence, a car, a shed, anything in its way. And if it hits a power line, now you’ve got a whole different problem.
If the fronds are brown and hanging, or the top (called the crown) starts drooping, it might already be dying. If the trunk looks soft or has holes, it could be rotting from the inside. Get it checked before it becomes an emergency.
How Palm Tree Removal Is Done
There’s no one-size-fits-all. It depends on the height and location, but here’s a general idea:
- Inspection – We check the tree’s health, lean, and the area around it.
- Climbing or lifting – For tall palms, we climb with spurs or use a lift.
- Top-down cuts – We usually cut the top fronds and crown first. Then work our way down in sections.
- Rigging – If there’s no room to drop the sections, we lower them with ropes.
- Stump cutting or grinding – Some folks leave the stump, some want it gone.
- Cleanup – Haul off debris, rake the area, and possibly grind the stump.
We don’t recommend doing it yourself. Seriously. Even small palms are heavier than they look. One bad cut and you’re looking at property damage or a hospital trip.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Trying to DIY it – Just don’t. Palms are not easy trees to cut down, and the margin for error is small.
- Hiring someone cheap without insurance – If they get hurt on your property, you’re liable. And if they drop the trunk on your garage? Good luck getting them to pay for it.
- Not asking what’s included – Some companies won’t haul away debris or grind the stump unless you ask and pay extra.
- Waiting too long – Like I said earlier, dead or sick palms don’t give much warning before they fall.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove It?
Dead palms don’t stand up forever. Once the roots let go or the trunk softens, it can fall in a storm, or just fall on a calm day out of nowhere. And unlike leafy trees, a palm trunk doesn’t slow down when it falls. It drops like a battering ram. It can do serious damage.
Also, dead palms attract pests, rats, bugs, and even snakes sometimes. The fronds get dry and crispy and start falling off. You don’t want a 10-lb front falling on your car or your kid.
Final Thoughts
Palm tree removal isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot cheaper than fixing a broken roof or car. And cheaper than dealing with a liability claim if someone gets hurt. At Omar Tree Service, we’ve removed plenty of palms, some easy, some nightmares. We show up with the right crew, the right equipment, and we get it done safely.
If you’re in Kansas City and need a palm tree removed or any tree for that matter, give us a call at (816) 694-6352. We’re licensed, insured, and we’ve been doing this for a long time. We’ll give you a straight answer and a fair quote.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Service LLC
Serving Kansas City Homeowners Since 2014
