Palm Tree Removal in Perth WA: A Guide to Safe and Legal Removal

Palm trees add such tropical charm to Perth’s gardens, but their large size and fibrous structure can pose serious safety and legal challenges.

Removing a tall palm isn't just a heavy lift—it involves leaving your property compliant, safe, and tidy.

Here's what homeowners need to know when it comes to Palm Tree Removal in Perth WA.

Why Palm Trees Present Unique Challenges

• Height & mass: Mature palms can easily reach 10–20 m. Their trunks are thick and heavy, requiring specialist gear for safe dismantling.

  
  

• Fibrous trunk: Palm wood is tough and stringy, which can quickly clog or dull chainsaw chains.

  
  

• Root complexity: Species like Phoenix palms produce dense, fibrous root masses that are near impossible to dig out manually

Freshly uprooted palm tree shows its intricate and extensive root ball.

“They warned me that the root balls were beasts and to not waste my time trying to dig by hand … mini excavator made short work of them.” Jonsmith78 - Reddit

Is Council Approval Required for Palm Tree Removal in Perth WA?

Often, you don’t need a permit to remove a palm tree in Perth—especially if it’s on private property and under a certain height. A lot depends on the area you live in.

While some local council websites may mention tree removal rules, in practice, permits are generally required in specific areas or for protected species and significantly large trees.

For example:

• Palms are typically not considered “significant vegetation” under many local policies.

• Smaller palms (under 3 m) or those in poor condition are rarely regulated.

• Councils usually focus more on native trees, heritage-listed species, or trees located on verges (public land).

Under WA regulations, tree removal without a permit is possible for:

• Palms under 3 m tall 

• Dead or dying trees, or trees posing safety risks 

• Trees within 3 m of structures or in designated bushfire zones 

  
  

That said, it’s still a good idea to:

• Check your local council’s guidelines (even if enforcement is unlikely)

• Contact the council for written confirmation, especially if the palm is very large or in a heritage area

• Ask a professional (like Swift Trees Perth) to help you navigate the process if there’s any uncertainty

Practical tip: In most Perth suburbs, healthy palms on private property can be removed without formal approval—but it’s always better to double-check than risk a fine.

Safe Removal Procedures

If removal is permitted, follow these steps to ensure safety and compliance:

🔧 Step A: Risk Assessment & Planning

• Examine proximity to power lines, roofs, pathways, and fences .

• Notify Western Power if within ~3 m of overhead power lines—they may assist or supervise removal.

  
  

🛠 Step B: Hire Professionals

• High palms demand tree climbers with harnesses, cherry pickers, ropes, and possibly cranes—it’s not a DIY job.

• Arborists and tree surgeons provide insurance and specialized experience—crucial for safe falling and lowering of sections.

  
  

✂ Step C: Sectional Cutting

• Professionals typically remove the tree in segments, starting from the top, to control weight and fall direction

  
  

🏗 Step D: Stump Removal

A stump grinder in action, efficiently removing a large tree stump from a residential backyard

• Stump grinding prevents regrowth and removes tripping hazards. This service costs approximately AUD 200–600 per stump.

  
  

♻️ Step E: Site Cleanup

By default, we remove all green waste, but leaving it on-site is an option if you’d like to reuse it.

What Happens to the Palm Waste?

After a palm tree is removed, the leftover fronds and trunk sections are usually chipped into mulch. At Swift Trees Perth, we typically take all mulch and debris off-site for disposal—but if you'd prefer to keep the mulch for your garden, just let us know. We're happy to leave it behind if requested.

Cost Factors and Estimates

Factor	Impact on Price
Tree height & girth	Tall palms demand high-reach gear
Proximity to structures	Hotels, roofs, power lines increase risk
Accessibility	Cranes needed if truck access limited
Permit & power utility fees	Council and Western Power admin costs
Stump grinding/mulching	Adds to labour and machinery needs

DIY vs Professional Removal of Palm Trees in Perth WA

DIY removal of tall palms is strongly discouraged:

• High risk of injury, especially near power lines or buildings.

• Chainsaw clogging and root removal is labour-intensive.

• Illegal removal without permits can result in steep fines 

  
  

A Reddit user summed it up poignantly:

“Palm trees look nice … but palm trees in general aren’t wood, they're a fibrous material that gums up chainsaws and ruins chains.” Reddit

Safely Dealing With Neighboring Trees

Cutting Overhanging Branches – What You're Legally Allowed to Do in Perth WA

Under common law in Western Australia (and much of Australia), you are legally entitled to prune branches or roots from a neighbor's tree that encroach onto your property, but only up to the boundary line. This is known as the right of abatement.

What You Can Do:

• Trim or cut back any overhanging branches or roots only up to your property boundary.

  
  

• No permission is required to do this, though it’s courteous and recommended to speak with your neighbor first.

  
  

• You can hire a qualified tree surgeon to do the pruning safely and legally.

  
  

❌ What You Cannot Do:

• You must not enter your neighbor's property to perform the trimming—doing so without permission could be considered trespassing.

  
  

• You must not damage the tree in a way that could affect its health or stability. (This is one important reason why getting advice from us at Swift Trees Perth is advisable before attempting to carry out any DIY work on neighboring trees, to avoid damaging them).

  
  

• You cannot cut beyond the boundary without written agreement.

  
  

What to Do With the Cuttings:

• Legally, any cut branches, fruit, or debris still belong to your neighbor, since they originated from their tree.

  
  

• Therefore, you must return the cuttings to their property unless your neighbor agrees otherwise.

  • This does not mean dumping them over the fence, which could be seen as littering or a nuisance.

  • Best practice: place the materials neatly on their property or offer to dispose of them with their permission.

Important Notes:

• If the tree is protected by a local council (e.g., on a regulated or heritage tree list), you may require approval even for pruning.

  
  

• If the tree is causing damage to your property (e.g., roots cracking concrete), you might have further legal grounds for removal or compensation—this usually requires expert reports and legal advice.

  
  

• If your neighbor's tree is dangerous or poorly maintained, and they refuse to act, you may be able to apply to your local court for an order to have it pruned or removed.

  
  

Reference:

Some local councils, such as the City of Stirling and City of Canning, provide guidance on tree disputes. You can also refer to WA’s Legal Aid or Law Access WA for practical advice.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Contact your local council early to clarify permit needs.

• Keep photographic records of hazards or disease before removal.

• If near power lines, coordinate with Western Power—sometimes they prune directly.

• Always hire certified arborists and tree surgeons with appropriate gear and insurance.

• Confirm all costs upfront—including permits, stump grinding, and waste removal.

Let's summarize this blog article on safe and legal palm removal in Perth WA, shall we?

1. Legal compliance: Permits are typically required for tall, live palms. Confirm early to avoid fines.

2. Safety first: Only qualified professionals should remove tall palms—especially near hazards.

3. Budget wisely: Expect AUD 500–2,500+ for removal and additional for stump grinding.

4. Be community-conscious: Work with neighbors and comply with utility and council rules.

By following these steps—understanding risks, legality, costs, and safety—you can successfully remove a large palm tree in Perth with minimal fuss and maximum peace of mind.

Need a custom quote or help navigating council permits and tricky removal logistics? Swift Trees Perth is here to make it easy.

Get in touch today for expert advice and solutions tailored to your property.

Have a question or story to share? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!