Make selections on the calculator below relevant to your palm tree removal job.
Palm tree type – Select one of the palm trees from the list. If you do not see your palm tree in the list, just select “Palm Removal (Average)” for an average ballpark figure
Palm Height – Select the height of your palm tree(s). To make things easy, we have done it in “stories” e.g 1 story, 2 stories, 3 stories high, instead of metres.
Number of Palms – How many palms do you need removed?
Location on Property – Indicate whether the palm is in the front yard, backyard, or a hard-to-reach area. Access can have a large bearing on the price of removal.
Note: The calculator provides a ballpark cost. To get an accurate quote for your palm tree removal, it’s best to compare three quotes from local tree services.
Palm Tree Height and Size
The taller and thicker the trunk, the more work is involved in safely removing a palm tree. Large varieties like Canary Island Date Palms or Royal Palms often require elevated work platforms or even cranes. As a general rule, taller palms mean higher prices.
Type of Palm Tree
Not all palms are created equal. Some have soft, thin trunks that are easy to cut through. Others, like Fan Palms, have fibrous, stringy trunks that bog down chainsaws. Cocos Palms are notorious for their heavy fronds and messy seeds, which increase cleanup and disposal time.
Access and Location
Is the palm tree squeezed between a fence and your house? Is it near power lines, a pool, or delicate landscaping? Restricted access usually requires specialist rigging, more crew, and extra care—all of which add to the cost.
Stump Removal
Leaving the stump in place is cheaper, but it may rot, attract pests, or become a tripping hazard. Stump grinding adds around $100–$500, depending on the size and root structure.
Disposal Requirements
Palm tree waste is notoriously difficult to process. The fronds are spiky and fibrous, while the trunk tends to splinter. Many green waste facilities charge extra for palm debris. This disposal fee is often included in your quote, but it’s good to confirm.
Obstacles or Hazards
Nearby power lines, sheds, garden beds, or pets on-site can increase the complexity and risk of removing a palm. If additional safety precautions or traffic control is needed, expect the quote to reflect that.
Location and Seasonal Demand
Prices vary depending on your region and the time of year. Some seasons (like winter) are slower and may offer cheaper rates. Urban jobs may cost more due to higher overheads.
Our calculator supports a wide range of common palm species found in Australian yards and gardens:
Alexandra Palm – Slim and medium height. Quotes are easy and cheap to remove.
Cocos Palm (Queen Palm) – Messy but manageable. Disposal is the biggest challenge as these palm trees are heavy and disposal is charged by the tonne.
Canary Island Date Palm – Thick trunk, heavy canopy with 6 inch long spikes at the base of each frond. Time-consuming to remove and very heavy going. The highest cost of removal.
Fan Palm (Washingtonia) – Very tall and fibrous. Shark teeth like spines on each of the fronds making it slow going to climb and remove.
Each of these has different removal costs based on height, trunk thickness, and access and difficulty of removal.
We will add more palm trees in time, but these are by far the most common ones.
Palm removal costs range widely, from $450 for small palms in easy locations, up to $4,350 or more for large palms in difficult-to-access locations.
In most cases, yes, but it will depend on the local council laws. See our council regulations database for more information. Check with your local council before removing any palm tree to avoid fines.
This will depend on the tree service you contract, so it’s important this is outlined at the time of quoting. Some companies include it in their price for removal, others will charge extra, so be sure to ask. Also, make sure it is itemised on the official quotation.
Unless the palm is very small (under 1 story high) and not near structures or power lines, DIY palm removal is not advised. Many palms are deceptively heavy, and fronds can cause injury. Hire a professional with proper equipment and insurance.
Palm debris is hard to mulch and clogs green mulching machinery. Waste facilities charge based on general rubbish disposal, and not a discounted rate for green waste. This is because palm trees can not be mulched and spread on gardens due to their highly acidic sap.
Pro tip: To save on removal costs, arrange a council cleanup and align it with the palm tree removal date. This will reduce your palm tree removal cost by 30 – 50%.
