Sydney TreeRemovers

Palm Tree Removal Guide: Species & Cost by Type

Different palm species require different removal approaches. Here is a guide to the most common palm trees in Sydney, their removal process and indicative costs.

Common Palm Species in Sydney

Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)

The most commonly removed palm in Sydney. Originally from South America, Cocos Palms produce large quantities of orange fruit that stains surfaces and attracts flying foxes. They grow to 15 metres and self-seed prolifically.

Many Sydney councils classify Cocos Palms as exempt from tree preservation orders, meaning you often do not need council approval to remove them.

Indicative removal cost

$300 - $1,500

Council approval

Often exempt

Bangalow Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)

A native Australian palm growing to 15 metres. Elegant, slender trunk with a green crownshaft. Common in Sydney gardens and rainforest understorey. Generally protected by council TPOs as a native species.

Bangalow Palms transplant well if moved by experienced operators. Consider transplanting rather than removing if possible.

Indicative removal cost

$500 - $1,800

Council approval

Usually required

Alexandra Palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae)

Similar to the Bangalow Palm but with a slightly swollen base. Grows to 10 metres. Popular in landscaping due to its compact size and attractive form. Native to Queensland rainforests.

Often grown in clusters of 3 to 5 palms. Removal of multiple palms at once is typically discounted per tree.

Indicative removal cost

$300 - $1,200

Council approval

Varies by council

Fan Palm (Livistona australis - Cabbage Tree Palm)

A native fan-leafed palm growing to 25 metres. One of the tallest palm species in Sydney. Characterised by large, circular fan-shaped leaves. Found naturally in coastal and hinterland areas of NSW.

As a native species, Cabbage Tree Palms are typically protected. The height of mature specimens makes removal more complex and expensive.

Indicative removal cost

$800 - $2,500

Council approval

Usually required

Palm Removal Process

1

Assessment and council check

Identify the species and check whether council approval is needed. An arborist can advise on the removal process and any permit requirements.

2

Frond removal

The crown of fronds is removed first, often by climbing or using an elevated work platform. This reduces the weight and falling hazard.

3

Trunk sectioning or felling

Where space allows, the palm is felled in one piece. In confined spaces, the trunk is cut in sections from the top down. Palm trunks are fibrous and heavy.

4

Stump treatment and cleanup

The stump can be ground below ground level or left to decompose naturally. All debris is removed from the site.

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Related Pages

Palm Tree Removal ServicePalm Tree Removal CostTree Removal Cost Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Cocos Palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) are by far the most commonly removed palm species in Sydney. They are an introduced species that produces large quantities of messy fruit, attracts flying foxes, and is considered invasive by many councils. Many councils exempt Cocos Palms from tree preservation orders, making them easier to remove than native palms.
Yes. Native palm species like the Bangalow Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) and Cabbage Tree Palm (Livistona australis) are generally protected under local council Tree Preservation Orders. You typically need council approval and may need an arborist report to remove these species. Cocos Palms are often exempt from protection.
Palm trees have a single growing point at the crown and a fibrous trunk without branches. This means they cannot be reduced in sections like a regular tree. Palms are typically felled in one piece where space allows, or cut in sections from the top down in confined spaces. The fibrous trunk is also harder to chip than hardwood timber.
Palm stumps can be ground out, but they are softer and decompose faster than hardwood stumps. Some homeowners choose to leave the palm stump to rot naturally, which typically takes 1 to 3 years depending on the species. If you want the area usable immediately, grinding is recommended and costs $150 to $300 for most palm stumps.
Some palm species can be transplanted successfully, particularly if they are not too large. Bangalow Palms and Alexandra Palms transplant well when done by experienced operators. However, transplanting is often more expensive than removal due to the specialised equipment and care required. Costs typically start from $500 and can exceed $3,000 for large specimens.
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