Removing Palm Trees

Overview

When palm trees die or grow so tall that pruning becomes a costly or dangerous chore, it may be time to remove them. This is no simple task--palm trees have tough, fibrous root balls that can be difficult to cut through. You'll need the right tools and some patience.

Step 1

For smaller palms, use a chain saw to cut down the tree a few feet from the base. For larger palms of a few dozen feet, the tree will need to be cut down in sections. It is better to hire a professional to do this work.

Step 2

Remove the stump with a stump grinder. You can either hire a professional or rent the machinery for a day. If you are removing several stumps, renting the machine is a more cost-efficient option. If you are only removing one stump, contracting a professional usually will be the better deal. Before grinding the stump, remove any debris or rocks from the area.

Step 3

Remove the root ball by digging all the way around it and cutting pieces out with your chain saw. If you can obtain a backhoe, this will make the task faster and easier.