The cost of removing a palm tree from professional tree service companies in San Diego varies based on many factors. Some factors include the height and health of the palm tree, its trunk circumference, branches, and the average labor cost.

The average cost of palm tree removal in San Diego is $425. This cost could range anywhere from $259 to remove a small palm tree to $2,730 to remove large palm trees.

Other factors determining the cost of palm tree removal are the project hours, stump removal, and the number of palm trees you want to remove.

Palm Tree HeightAverage cost of removal
15 ft.$259
20 ft.$385
30 ft.$825
45 ft.$1,250
65 ft.$2,150
100 ft. and above$2,730

Removing a palm tree from a private property in San Diego does not require a permit. However, if you want to be certain about this before diving into it, it’s best to consult your local council to be certain whether you need a permit or not.

Palm tree trimming cost

The cost of trimming a palm tree is far cheaper than removal. Expenses do add up over the long term however as palm trimming needs to be carried out every 1 – 3 years.

SizeAverage cost of trimming
10 feet$45
20 feet$110
30 feet$145
45 feet and above$225 - $485

Factors that Determine Palm Tree Removal Costs

Palm Tree Removal Cost in San Diego

Palm tree removal costs depend on several different factors, the most important of which is height. Apart from other factors, the height of the tree has a huge impact on how much you will pay. The table below shows the corresponding cost of removing palm trees based on height:

Other factors that may affect the total overall cost of your palm tree removal include:

Stump Removal – If you prefer the palm stump removal also, you can expect to pay an additional $75 to $300.

Proximity to structures – If the palm tree is located close to buildings or other delicate structures, it cannot be easily cut down. This requires that the palm tree will be roped down in sections and will add significantly to the bill.

Haul Away Trunk – To have the trunk sections hauled away as well, you could pay up to $350 more.

Distance of the tree removal company – Palm tree removal companies usually charge for travel and mileage when they have to travel a long distance for your tree removal.

Canopy density – If the fronds on the tree are very dense, it will likely demand more labor input during the tree removal and consequently add to the cost.

Trunk girth – this is also a measure of the size of the tree, the larger the trunk girth of a palm tree, the more the cost of removing a tree of equal height.

Tree or palm species – the more valuable your palm species, the less your cost of removing such tree. The value of your palm tree will be removed from the removal cost and you can make up the balance. For highly sought-after palm species, you may end up not paying a dime for the removal or even getting some money in return.

The number of trees – The more the number of palm trees you want to remove at once, the more likely you are to remove each of them at a subsidized cost.

Proximity to hazards, such as electrical lines – If your palm tree is located very close to power lines, you’re likely going to remove them at no cost to you. All you need to do is notify your utility company of the pending hazard.

Emergency work – When your palm tree removal job requires immediate action due to an accident or pending hazard, especially during the company’s off-hours, you will be paying more to the tree company. The price increase can be as high as double the actual cost of removal.

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Can I DIY my palm tree removal?

Trying to cut down or remove a palm tree yourself can be dangerous. Apart from the risks it may pose to you, it can also adversely affect nearby structures especially if you’re not knowledgeable about the risks. Having a tree company come over to remove your palm tree is the safest option. If you’re worried about the cost, you can start by identifying the palm species so you know what the tree is worth. This will give you the opportunity to propose a subsidized or free palm tree removal.

Can I DIY my palm tree removal

What’s the best time to remove a tree in San Diego?

The best time to remove a tree in San Diego is during the late fall or the winter. Before you conclude on removing your palm tree, you may consider other maintenance habits such as pruning, trimming, and cutting.

However, if the tree poses any hazard to the neighborhood, it’s best to remove it as soon as possible.

Can I sell my palm tree or get free palm tree removal?

Getting free palm tree removal services is more common compared to getting other types of trees removed for free. This is because palm trees are a highly sought-after tree by landscapers and nurseries.

For highly exotic palm trees such as:

  • Mexican Blue Fan Palm
  • Mediterranean Fan Palm
  • Guadalupe Palm
  • Pindo or Jelly Palm
  • Senegal Date Palm

Companies will actually pay you to come and remove your tree because the actual worth of the tree is much more than the removal cost.

If you’re looking for a company that will remove your palm tree for free in San Diego, you can reach out to Moon Valley Nurseries for free palm tree removal.

Emergency Tree Removal

Sometimes, trees can be very unpredictable and accidents do happen. Even the most healthy tree can suddenly fall as a result of wind, storm, or other natural hazards. This kind of occurrence results in devastating accidents. Due to the sudden and urgent nature of such hazards, emergency tree removals are often required. The cost for emergency jobs tends to be higher than the average tree removal job.

Emergency tree removal jobs require a sudden change in company schedule even if the call is made in the middle of the night.

Other factors that influence the cost of emergency tree removal are:

The urgency of the job — The more urgent the job, the higher the cost of the emergency removal. Trees that fall on electric wires will likely be more urgent and cost more to remove than the one that falls on the road.

Size and type of the fallen tree — The bigger the fallen tree, the more the cost of removal. Also, the suitability of the tree for use after removal may determine the cost of removal. A tree that will be valuable after removal will cost less than one that is not.

Odd working hours, such as in the middle of the night or during holidays — Emergency tree removal at odd working hours will cost more than during work hours.

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Ben McInerney
Author: Ben McInerney - Ben is a qualified arborist with 15 plus years of industry experience in Arboriculture. He ran a successful tree service before turning to writing and publishing. Ben is dedicated to providing users with the most accurate up-to-date information on everything trees.