Palm trees; as beautiful and exotic as they are, can actually be quite a nuisance. If left to their own devices and not pruned regularly, the dead fronds can fall sporadically causing damage to property and being potentially dangerous to you and your family.
In addition to that, there are a wide number of common problems that palm trees face, from sooty mould, lethal yellowing, fungal infections, and much more. As such, it can often feel like it would just be easier to get rid of it altogether.
But, how do you get rid of an unwanted palm tree? And how much is it going to set you back? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
How do I get rid of an unwanted palm tree in Australia?
There are several ways that you can get rid of an unwanted palm tree. Whether you want to get rid of it because it’s a nuisance and you can’t be bothered to keep up with its maintenance, or it is dead / dying, and an eyesore, your best bet is to contact your local tree removal specialist and have them take it off your hands.
However, if you would hate to see the palm tree go to waste, it can be relocated elsewhere under the right circumstances.
What reasons are there to remove a palm tree in Australia?
Of course, the simple fact of wanting to have your palm tree is enough. You don’t need a good excuse when it comes to how you handle the trees on your property. That said, if your palm is starting to show signs of deterioration (whether that be through age, damage, or sickness), then having your palm tree removed is a fair enough resolution—particularly if your local arborist believes that it is too far gone and beyond saving.
So, if you are reluctant to have your palm tree removed and would prefer to keep it if that is an option, your best bet is to contact your local arborists to carry out a health check before you commit and have a palm tree removed from your property.
What are the obvious signs that a palm tree is fit for removal?
A good tell-tale sign that it is time to have your palm tree removed is if it is showing signs of decay. Dead and dying palm trees can be exceptionally dangerous to you and your family, so keep an eye out for the signs:
- The centre of the tree is brown
- Younger fronds are discoloured and fall off regularly
- The fronds on the palm are yellowing, turning brown, and wilting
If you notice any of these signs, then it could be that your palm tree is on its way out. This means that it is time to get it removed (unless of course your arborist believes it can be saved).
You see, dying palm trees can redirect valuable nutrients and moisture that could otherwise be dedicated to healthy plants and trees in your garden. In addition to that, dying palm trees become a target for rodents to nest. In addition to that, they will be more prone to disease and infection, which can then easily be passed onto your other healthy trees and plant life—something that should be avoided at all costs.
How much does it cost to take down a palm tree?
The cost of removing a tree depends on a number of different factors. To give you a rough idea, the average cost of palm tree removal in Australia can be anywhere between $1,500 and $2,500. This figure can change depending on the following factors:
- How big is your palm tree? (naturally, the bigger the tree, the tougher and more complicated the removal job)
- What species of palm are we talking about? (some species of palm tree are easier to remove than others)
- What condition is the palm tree in? (a dead or dying tree can be all the more dangerous to handle)
- Where is the palm located? (accessibility is a huge factor when it comes to pricing a palm tree removal job. If it is easy to reach and their equipment can be loaded and unloaded with relative ease, this will be reflected in the overall cost)
- Proximity to power lines (the closer to utilities such as power lines and water pipes, the more complicated and risky the removal process becomes).
In any case, the overall cost to remove a palm tree should be fair and affordable.
Can I remove the palm tree myself?
The fact is, you can do whatever you like on your property. If you would prefer to save your money and tackle the palm tree removal process by yourself then you are indeed welcome to do so. However, palm tree removal—and tree removal in general—is a complicated and dangerous process. When you take this upon yourself, particularly without experience or the correct equipment, then you’ll be putting both yourself at risk of injury, and your property at risk of being damaged.
Not only that, but you also have to consider how you plan to dispose of the palm tree’s remains afterwards. You’ll need to cut the trunk of the tree into bite-size chunks and find a safe and legal way of disposing of all of the fronds as well. This can be made far easier by simply hiring the experts.
Our advice would be to contact your local arborists and hire their professional services instead. This is the safest, easiest, and most efficient approach to having a palm tree removed from your property; and then safely disposed of afterwards.
Conclusion
All in all, getting rid of a palm tree is a fairly painless experience. At between $1,500 and $2,500, it’s affordable and saves you from having to put yourself in any unnecessary danger in order to get rid of your unwanted palm tree.
We hope that you have found this article helpful and wish you the best of luck with your palm tree removal.
