Palm trees are one of the most instantly identifiable trees in the world. Native to the tropics and subtropics, some varieties can also survive as far north as Vancouver, British Columbia and much of the lower 48. That being said, if you want to try growing a palm tree, you should first be aware of the costs involved.
The cost of an outdoor palm depends on a few key variables, including the species and size, so there’s a pretty wide range in price. Depending on the type of palm and how tall it is, you could pay as little as $15 or as much as $2,000 or more for an outdoor palm tree.
How Much Do Palm Tree Seeds Cost?
Of course, you can always try growing your own palm tree from seed. You can order packs of 10, 20, and more palm tree seeds from various online sources, including Amazon and Etsy, for less than $10, including delivery!
Is It Hard to Germinate a Palm Tree Seed Outside?
Germinating a palm tree seed outside is not a short-term project. You can count on it taking at least 100 days for the seed to germinate, and coconut palms will take up to 6 months. (The coconut is, in fact, the seed of the coconut palm)
In addition, the germination rate for palm tree seeds is only about 20%, so it’s necessary to try starting as many as possible to make sure that you end up with one or two actual palm tree seedlings at the end of the process.
No matter what your source, start trying to germinate the seeds as soon as possible after receiving them, as they usually are only viable for a few weeks.
Plant the seeds in a mixture of half peat moss and half perlite, and keep them moist and at a temperature between 85 – 95°F (28-35°C).
Transplant the seedlings to their own containers when they have developed at least one leaf.
Can You Buy Potted Palm Trees for Outdoors?
If you want to speed up the process, you should be able to find potted palm trees available at garden centres, or order them online.
The advantage of keeping palm trees in pots in temperate zones is that you can move them indoors when temperatures get too cold in winter.
Of course, you will need to choose species that will not grow too tall. The Majesty Palm, Cascade Palm, and Parlour Palm are three possibilities.
Can You Put Potted Palm Trees in Your Yard?
It’s possible to establish an outdoor tropical paradise on your patio or balcony in summer, and then just haul the pots in to create a lush and green environment all winter long.
You can even place them among your other garden plants to further replicate a tropical landscape. Just be sure that you’ll be able to move them somewhere warm for the winter!
How Much are Potted Palm Trees?
The cost of a potted palm tree depends on the size and species. For instance, a small Bamboo Palm may cost you $25, while a 10-foot Bottle Palm might be as much as $600. A Canary Island Date Palm may only be $15 when it’s a foot tall, but increase in price to $100 when it’s tripled in size.
How Much Are Full Grown Palm Trees?
You can expect to pay a lot of money for a full grown palm tree. After all, the grower has had to invest a fair amount of time into getting it to that size, which could be as much as 60 feet!
A full grown palm tree can go for as much as $2,000, or even more for species such as Royal Palms, which can range upwards of $10,000.
Read our related post “How Tall Do Palm Trees Grow?” here.
Is it Expensive to Have a Full Grown Palm Tree Planted in Your Yard?
Obviously, planting a 60 foot palm tree is not a DIY project. You will have to hire a crew that specializes in it to ensure that your tree survives and the considerable investment involved isn’t wasted.
Make sure that you take the installation cost into consideration when deciding how much you can afford to spend on your palm trees, as costs can run as high as $1,500 or more per tree.
Does the Palm Tree Type Impact the Price?
Yes, the type of palm tree will impact the cost of the tree and its seeds. Supply and demand of the various species has a big impact on the price of palm trees.
For instance, the Coco de Mer Palm tree is considered the rarest in the world. It is native to two islands in the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, and the huge fruits are also in demand as decorative curios. There are strict limitations on the export of seeds. As a result, a Coco de Mer palm tree, if you can even find one, can cost as much as $9,000.
Iconic species such as Royal Palms and Coconut Palms can run as high as $10,000 for fully grown specimens.
Can You Buy Outdoor Palm Trees Online?
You can buy outdoor palm trees from a variety of online sources, but if you are buying a larger specimen, it’s probably best to find as local a supplier as possible.
You will be able to plant a small palm tree yourself without professional help, and delivery fees won’t be much on a small plant.
However, once you’re looking at trees over 10 feet, it starts to become more problematic to order from a distant supplier.
Large palm trees need to be shipped on a flat-bed truck, which can soon add up in delivery costs. As well, you will need professionals to take on the task of planting these huge specimens.
Local suppliers will also know which outdoor palm trees will survive in your climate zone, which can end up saving you a lot of money and time.
How Much Does It Cost to Care for Your Outdoor Palm Tree?
Of course, the cost of your outdoor palm tree does not end with its purchase and installation. You also need to factor in ongoing maintenance costs.
While you may be able to tend a small palm tree on your own, the regular trimming and other maintenance on a 60-foot Royal Palm will require professionals with the necessary equipment.
You can expect to pay between about $1000 to get your palm tree trimmed if it’s over 60 feet. Shorter trees may cost between $300-$900. This should be done once a year.
Read our related post “What Is Growing Out of My Palm Tree? (7 Possibilities)” here.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Palm Tree Removed?
Sometimes, unfortunately, it’s necessary to have a palm tree removed. When a palm tree develops diseases such as Ganoderma butt rot, you have no choice but to get rid of it before the infection can spread to other trees.
Tall trees require professional removal, as it’s not safe to try to fell one yourself.
Cutting down a 30-foot tree will cost around $350, while a 60-foot palm will run around $1,000.
Stump removal can cost an additional $300.
Can Large Palm Trees Be Dug Up and Transplanted?
Of course, if you’re lucky and have healthy palm trees that you just don’t want anymore, you may be able to sell them! Full grown palm trees are so much in demand that there’s actually people who steal palms, digging them up and selling them to willing buyers.
However, if your palm tree isn’t one of the really popular trees, you may not be able to find someone to come and dig it up and pay you up front. Still, if you have a Chilean Wine Palm, Kentia Palm, or Royal Palm, you may be able to get a buyer!
Final Thoughts
Palm trees are definitely one of the most outstanding specimens that you can plant on your property. Even in temperate regions, there are some hardy palm varieties that can survive as far north as Zone 5! You can start with seeds, or by purchasing small trees for a reasonable price. If you want a big tree right off the bat, however, you can expect to invest a lot of money in your landscaping.
Janice is a retired High School teacher who is spending her leisure years keeping busy with all sorts of projects. Aside from freelance writing, she’s an enthusiastic amateur chef, home wine maker, and tends a large raised-bed vegetable garden, while at the same time running a Bed & Breakfast.