Palm Tree Species and Removal

A guide to common palm tree species found in Tasmanian gardens, which ones need professional removal, and how costs compare. We connect you with qualified arborists who specialise in palm removal.

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Common Palm Species in Tasmania

While Tasmania's cooler climate limits some palm species, many varieties thrive in sheltered gardens across Greater Hobart. Here are the most common species you may need to manage or remove:

Phoenix Palm (Phoenix canariensis)

The Canary Island Date Palm is one of the most common large palms in Tasmanian gardens. They can grow to 15 metres or more with massive, heavy frond canopies. Their sharp frond spines make them hazardous to handle, and the dense root ball makes stump removal challenging.

Removal: Professional removal essential. Costs $1,500 to $3,000+ for mature specimens.

Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)

A popular ornamental palm that can reach 10 to 15 metres. Produces large quantities of orange fruit that creates mess and attracts wildlife. Often planted too close to buildings in older gardens.

Removal: Professional removal recommended for tall specimens. Costs $500 to $1,500.

Bangalow Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)

An elegant native Australian palm that grows to around 10 metres. Commonly planted in sheltered gardens across Hobart. Generally less problematic than Phoenix or Cocos palms but can outgrow its position.

Removal: Can often be removed by experienced homeowners if small. Professional removal $300 to $800.

Fan Palm (Washingtonia / Livistona)

Washington fan palms can grow extremely tall (over 20 metres) and develop a heavy skirt of dead fronds that is a fire hazard. Chinese fan palms (Livistona) are smaller but still require management.

Removal: Tall specimens require professional removal. Costs $500 to $2,500 depending on height.

Cabbage Tree Palm (Livistona australis)

A native Australian palm occasionally found in Tasmanian gardens. Slow-growing and generally well-behaved, it rarely requires removal but may need frond management.

Removal: Professional removal $300 to $800. Often better suited to pruning than removal.

Which Palms Need Professional Removal?

Always Hire a Professional

  • ✓Any palm over 5 metres tall
  • ✓Phoenix palms (sharp frond spines cause serious injury)
  • ✓Palms near power lines or buildings
  • ✓Palms with restricted access
  • ✓Multiple palms requiring coordinated removal

May Be DIY (With Caution)

  • •Small palms under 2 metres with clear drop zone
  • •Single-trunk palms in open garden areas
  • •Palms with no overhead hazards

Even for small palms, professional removal is safer and faster. The stump will still need grinding.

Palm Removal Cost Comparison

SpeciesTypical HeightCost Range
Phoenix Palm8 – 15 m$1,500 – $3,000+
Cocos Palm8 – 15 m$500 – $1,500
Bangalow Palm5 – 10 m$300 – $800
Fan Palm5 – 20 m$500 – $2,500

Prices exclude stump grinding (add $150 to $400) and any council permit fees. For a detailed breakdown, see our palm tree removal cost guide. Get free quotes from local specialists for accurate pricing.

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Related Services

Palm Tree Removal Service

Professional palm removal for all species and sizes.

Palm Removal Cost Guide

Detailed cost breakdown for palm removal in Tasmania.

Stump Grinding

Remove the stump after your palm is taken down.

Palm Tree Removal FAQs

How much does palm tree removal cost in Hobart?
Palm tree removal in Hobart typically costs between $250 and $3,000 depending on the species, height, and access. Small fan palms may cost as little as $250, while large Phoenix palms over 10 metres tall can cost $2,000 to $3,000. Stump grinding is usually an additional $150 to $400. We connect you with arborists who provide free quotes.
Do I need a permit to remove a palm tree in Tasmania?
Palm trees that meet the significant tree threshold (trunk circumference over 200 mm at 1.4 m height) typically require a planning permit. However, some exotic palm species may have fewer protections than native trees. Check with your local council or ask the arborist we connect you with to advise on your specific situation.
Which palm trees are considered weeds in Tasmania?
The Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is considered an environmental weed in parts of Australia as its fruit is spread by birds and bats into bushland. While not formally listed as a weed in Tasmania due to the cooler climate, it is still worth considering removal if it is seeding into native vegetation areas.
Can palm trees damage my property?
Large palm species like Phoenix palms develop extensive root systems that can damage paths, driveways, and underground pipes. Their fronds can also damage roofing and gutters when they drop. Falling fronds from tall palms are heavy enough to cause injury or property damage.
How are palm trees removed differently from regular trees?
Palm trees do not have branches so they cannot be dismantled in sections like broadleaf trees. Small palms are often cut at the base and lowered whole. Tall palms may require a climber to remove fronds first and then section the trunk from the top down. The fibrous trunk is harder to cut than normal timber and requires different chainsaw techniques.
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