How Much Does Palm Tree Trimming Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $125 - $800
The average homeowner pays about $375 for palm tree trimming. Depending on size and location, the cost can go as high as $1,500.
When calculating your palm tree trimming cost, you should budget anywhere from $125 to $800. Palm trees are beautiful and majestic but can become unhealthy if they don’t receive regular trimmings. Your palm tree trimming cost will depend on several factors, including the size, location, number of trees, and more. Our guide will show you how much it costs to trim a palm tree.
- Average
- $375
- Low end
- $50
- high end
- $1,500
Palm Tree Trimming Cost Calculator
Calculations are based on the average height of a palm tree, which ranges from 32 to 50 feet tall. Calculations rounded to the nearest whole number.
| Quantity | Cost Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Trimming Palm Tree Labor | 41-foot-tall tree | $130–$900 |
| Tree Trimming Cleanup | 41-foot-tall tree | $25–$100 |
| Optional: Emergency Palm Tree Trimming | 2 hours | $300–$500 |
| Total | $155–$1,000 | |
| Total with Options | $455–$1,500 |
Palm Tree Trimming Cost Factors
When determining your palm tree trimming cost, consider several factors, including the type, size, labor, location, the number of trees, tree condition, emergency palm tree trimming, and post-construction cleanup. Here’s what you can expect to pay for palm tree trimming.
Type of Palm Tree
Depending on your palm tree type, you can expect to pay more for species with abundant fronds, prickly fronds, and broader trunks. That’s because those palm tree species have more fronds that are difficult to trim, plus they’re typically larger than average.
Mexican Fan: This type of palm tree has sharp, spiky fronds.
Phoenix Palm: This variety is usually wide and tall.
Canary Island Date Palm: This palm tree type is usually wide and tall.
Queen Palm: These palm trees are tall with abundant fronds.
Height
You can expect to pay less to trim small palm trees. However, trees over 60 feet tall will require special equipment and more labor, increasing your overall palm tree trimming cost.
| Palm Tree Height | Average Trimming Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 15 feet | $50–$200 |
| 10 feet–30 feet | $75–$400 |
| 30 feet–60 feet | $130–$900 |
| Over 60 feet | $250–$1,500 |
Labor
If you hire a palm tree expert to trim your tree, you can expect to pay an average of $200 to $1,200 per tree or between $150 and $250 per hour. Your labor costs will rise if the palm trees are located in an inaccessible area, such as on a steep slope, close to power lines or buildings, or in a hard-to-reach location. For example, you may need to remove an existing fence to reach a palm tree, costing between $3 and $5 per linear foot.
Location
Your home’s geographical location also affects your total palm tree trimming cost. States with abundant palm trees, such as Florida, Texas, California, and Louisiana, will pay more for regular palm tree trimmings.
| State | Average Palm Tree Trimming Cost |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $90–$670 |
| California | $100–$945 |
| Florida | $125–$1,200 |
| Georgia | $90–$730 |
| Hawaii | $120–$800 |
| Louisiana | $90–$1,000 |
| Nevada | $95–$700 |
| North Carolina | $90–$900 |
| South Carolina | $90–$760 |
| Texas | $85–$1,000 |
Number of Trees
The more palm trees you have, the lower the trimming cost per tree. Tree trimming pros will usually charge less per tree when you bundle your trimming services and get several trees trimmed simultaneously. When hiring a professional to trim your palm trees, be sure to specify how many you need them to trim so they can provide an accurate time and cost estimate.
Tree Condition
You can expect to pay higher trimming fees if your palm tree isn’t healthy. Dead fronds, pests, diseases, weak roots, and cracks will increase your total palm tree trimming cost because it makes the task significantly more difficult. Not only will a pro need to take more time to trim the tree carefully, but you may also need to hire a pest control service to rid the tree of any insects. You can expect to pay between $300 and $550 for pest control service costs.
If your palm tree is in really poor condition or spreading diseases to nearby trees, you may need to hire a professional to remove it. You can expect your tree removal cost to run between $200 and $2,000.
Emergency Palm Tree Trimming
If you need emergency palm tree trimming due to a storm or electrical event, you can expect to pay $150 to $250 per hour for a weekend or after-hours call-out. We recommend only using emergency trimming services for extreme risk scenarios, such as palm tree limbs stuck in power lines or in danger of falling on your home.
Post-Construction Cleanup
Many palm tree trimming companies include cleanup services in their total cost. However, if they charge a separate fee, you can expect to pay $25 to $100. This cost includes hauling away leaves, branches, fruit, and seeds and thoroughly cleaning the surrounding area. If your yard is a total mess after the trimming, you might want to invest in a yard cleanup, which will cost an average of $360.
DIY Palm Tree Trimming vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have the tools, supplies, and prior experience, you can trim your palm trees yourself. You’ll need to spend around $1,000 on a tree-trimming saw, chainsaw, ladder, pruning shears, gloves, and safety glasses. Plus, you’ll invest the sweat equity and time necessary to complete this maintenance task.
However, we recommend hiring a professional palm tree specialist to tackle palm tree trimming. Professional palm tree trimming costs between $100 and $1,500, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that a knowledgeable and experienced palm tree trimmer will ensure the job is done right. Plus, you won’t need to worry about purchasing all the necessary tools and supplies for the project.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Trimming Palm Trees
Although the costs of trimming palm trees are pretty fixed, there are still ways you can save money.
Get at least 3 quotes from local palm tree trimming companies to find the best deal.
Trim your palm trees during the off-season, and ask for special discount pricing.
Inspect your palm tree annually for damage or disease to prevent high trimming costs in the future.
Clear everything from the yard and driveway before a professional tree trimmer arrives.
Take care of cleanup and disposal yourself.
If your palm tree fronds are tangled in power lines, call the power company to see if they will trim the tree for free before calling a tree trimming company.
Plant smaller palm trees that are easier to reach and trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll want to have your palm trees trimmed during the spring, ideally in May, before hurricane season sets in, which generally takes place during the late summer. Palm trees grow fastest over the summer months. You’ll also want to trim your palm trees when you notice:
Brown fronds
Dry leaves
Flower pods
Fruit
Fronds overgrown in power lines
Frond encroaching upon your neighbor’s home or yard
Visible damage from a storm
Trimming your palm trees once or twice per year keeps them healthy and robust. Caring for palm trees includes cutting off brown leaves to prevent wildfires and pathway obstruction. However, you don’t want to over-trim the palm tree. Cutting too many branches off will weaken the tree and prevent future growth. And it’s essential to have a strong, healthy palm tree during hurricane season to prevent safety risks or property damage.
If you don’t trim your palm trees, you can expect several negative outcomes, including:
Unhealthy palm trees attract pests, diseases, and fungi
Dead falling fronds can cause severe injury or damage to your home, pedestrians, or cars
Dead palm branches are flammable and can catch fire, especially during a lightning storm