How much does palm tree removal cost?
Palm tree removal on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane typically costs $250 to $1,200 per palm. A large palm over 10 m or a Canary Island date palm typically costs $1,200 to $3,000, because of its weight and spiky fronds. Access and taking the green waste away change the price most.
Updated October 2026 by 
Steven Piper
What does palm removal cost?
Typical prices per palm in South East Queensland, including GST:
| Palm | Typical range per palm |
|---|---|
| Most palms, including Cocos and Bangalow palms | $250 to $1,200 |
| Large palm over 10 m, or a Canary Island date palm | $1,200 to $3,000 |
| Grinding the palm stump | From about $150 |
Several palms on one site usually cost less each than separate jobs, because the crew and gear are already there.
Why do some palms cost more to remove?
Palms are lighter than most trees of the same height, but a few things push the price up:
- Weight. Canary Island date palms have heavy trunks and crowns that often need to come down in sections, sometimes with a crane.
- Spines. Date palms carry sharp spines at the base of the fronds, which slows the work.
- Height and access. A tall palm in a backyard reached through a side path takes longer than one on an open front lawn.
- What's underneath. Fronds and trunk sections are lowered on ropes over roofs, pools and fences.
- Green waste. Fronds and trunks are bulky. Taking them away is usually extra.
Is palm cleaning an alternative to removal?
Often, yes. If the palm is healthy and you just want the dead fronds and seed pods gone, a clean-up costs less than removal. Ask for both prices when you get quotes.
Do you need council approval to remove a palm?
Check before you book. Council rules on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane protect vegetation by size and location, and a large palm can fall within them. Our guides explain what's protected and the common exemptions.
See the Brisbane and Gold Coast tree rules.
Compare the best rated tree services on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, or use the form to get quotes from up to 2 local businesses.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to remove a palm tree?
Most palms cost $250 to $1,200 each to remove on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, including GST. Large palms over 10 m and Canary Island date palms typically cost $1,200 to $3,000.
Is the palm stump included?
Not always. Some quotes cut the palm at ground level and charge extra to grind the stump. Ask whether stump grinding is included, and see our stump grinding cost guide.
Why is removing a Canary Island date palm so expensive?
Because they're heavy and spiky. The crown and trunk often come down in sections with ropes or a crane, and the sharp spines slow the work. Expect $1,200 to $3,000 for a large one.
Can I remove a small palm myself?
A small palm under about 3 m with no structures or powerlines nearby is often a DIY job. Anything taller, near the house or near powerlines is safer with a tree service that carries public liability insurance.
Sources
- What's The Damage: tree removal prices Brisbane (October 2026)
- What's The Damage: tree removal prices Gold Coast (October 2026)
- Brisbane City Council: apply for a permit to work on protected vegetation
- City of Gold Coast: tree and vegetation removal on private land
General information only, not legal advice. Council rules change, so confirm with your council before work starts.