Grinding a palm tree stump usually costs $100 to $250, and many single palm stumps cost the job minimum. Palm wood is soft and fibrous, so it grinds faster than oak or pine of the same diameter.
For other tree types, see stump grinding costs by size and state.
Palm stump grinding prices by size
| Palm stump | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small palm (under 12 inches) | $100–$175 |
| Medium palm (12–20 inches) | $150–$200 |
| Large palm base (over 20 inches) | $175–$250 |
Why palm stumps cost less to grind
Palms are monocots, not true trees. They have no bark, no annual growth rings and no woody root flare; instead, a mass of thin, fibrous roots grows from the base of the trunk. A grinder cuts through this soft, spongy tissue quickly, so most palm stumps take a few minutes and are priced at or near the company’s job minimum.
The exceptions are very wide bases on mature royal, Canary Island date and Washingtonia palms, and clumping palms with several trunks, which are priced more like a multi-stump job.
Palm stumps don’t need deep grinding
A single-trunk palm cannot resprout once the trunk is cut below its growing point, so there is no root system to keep killing. A shallow grind of 6 to 8 inches is usually enough to lay sod. That keeps palm jobs cheaper than hardwood stumps that need deeper grinding to stop suckers.
Cleanup is the hidden cost
Palm grindings are long, stringy fibers rather than wood chips. They break down slowly, tangle in mowers and make poor lawn fill, so many homeowners pay to have them hauled away. Budget an extra $50 to $150 for palm chip removal, and replace the hole with screened topsoil before seeding. See how to fill a stump hole.
Check local rules first
Some cities and homeowner associations regulate removing palms and other trees, especially in parts of Florida and California. Grinding the stump of a tree that has already been legally removed rarely needs a permit, but confirm before cutting a healthy palm.
Local palm prices
Palm-heavy states often have higher minimum charges. See Florida, California and Arizona for local prices.
Keep reading
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Cost guide Cost to Grind Multiple Stumps Grinding multiple stumps costs far less per stump. The first stump includes the trip charge; each extra usually costs $30 to $75. See 2 to 10 stump examples. -
Cost guide How Deep Does Stump Grinding Go? Stump grinders typically cut 6 to 12 inches below ground. Learn standard grind depths, when to grind deeper, what it costs and what happens to the roots. -
After grinding What to Do After Stump Grinding What to do after stump grinding: clearing the grindings, filling the hole, regrowing grass, handling roots and stopping sprouts, step by step.
Browse all stump guides or go back to the stump grinding costs homepage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to grind a palm tree stump?
Most palm stumps cost $100 to $250 to grind, often close to the company's job minimum.
Are palm stumps easier to grind than other trees?
Yes. Palms are monocots with soft, fibrous trunks and no woody root flare, so they grind quickly.
Do palm tree stumps grow back?
Single-trunk palms do not regrow once cut below the growing point. Clustering palms, such as some date palms, can send up new shoots.
How deep should a palm stump be ground?
Six to eight inches is usually enough for sod or grass, since palm roots do not resprout.
Do palm stump grindings make good mulch?
Palm grindings are stringy and break down slowly. Many homeowners prefer to have them hauled away.
Can I remove a palm stump myself?
Small palm stumps can be dug out with a shovel and saw because the roots are thin and fibrous. Large stumps are easier to grind.
Is it cheaper to grind several palm stumps at once?
Yes. After the first stump, extra palm stumps on the same visit usually cost much less.
Where are palm stumps most common?
Florida, Southern California, Arizona, Texas, Hawaii and coastal South Carolina have the most palm stumps.
Sources and methodology
Last updated . Prices are estimates built from published contractor rates, national cost guides and federal labor data. Read how we calculate prices.