Trusted Tree Removal & Trimming Service
in Jacksonville
Palm Tree Trimming in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Professional Tree Service gets calls every spring from owners whose sabal and queen palms were scalped. Good palm tree trimming in Jacksonville, FL removes dead fronds and little else.
Here is how to trim, what the hurricane cut myth gets wrong, and when a sick palm should come down.
Why Choose Us
- Fully insured crews for hazardous removals and complex jobs
- An ISA Certified Arborist looks at every tree before we quote it
- Free, transparent estimates before any work begins
- Full-service: removal, pruning, stump grinding, and storm cleanup
- Local knowledge of Duval County's sandy soils, hurricane damage patterns, and tree species
- Modern, well-maintained equipment for safe, efficient jobs
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Palm Tree Trimming in Jacksonville, FL
How to Trim a Palm Correctly
UF/IFAS says never remove live green fronds, and never cut above the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Take dead, brown fronds only, any time of year. UF/IFAS Extension has a full page on pruning palms.
Over-pruning causes penciling, a narrow trunk that may break in severe wind. Sabal palms are very wind resistant. Queen palms are hardy to zone 9B and moderately salt tolerant.
The Hurricane Cut Myth
Stripping a palm to a tuft before storm season is not science-based. Palms cut that way were more likely to lose their crowns. For real storm prep, remove only dead fronds and loose fruit.
Warning Signs of a Sick Palm
Lethal Bronzing
Lethal bronzing (PP243) is spread by planthoppers, not pruning tools, and it hits sabal and queen palms in Jacksonville. Early fruit drop comes first, then bronzing of the oldest fronds and spear-leaf collapse. Once symptomatic, there is no treatment.
Ganoderma Butt Rot
Ganoderma (PP100) shows as a shelf-like conk on the lower trunk. There is no cure, and the palm can fall in wind.
Other Red Flags
- A brown spear leaf or collapsing crown
- A new lean or swaying trunk base
What an Arborist Checks
Our tree health diagnostics start with the spear leaf and trunk base, overseen by an ISA Certified Arborist.
When a Palm Should Come Down
Remove It Promptly
Palm removal typically runs $650 to $1,500. See tree removal for how we work.
Grind the Stump
Stump grinding removes the diseased base. Do not replant a palm in the same spot.
Routine Trimming
A healthy palm needs tree trimming and pruning only for dead fronds. For other trees, see when to prune trees.
What to Plant in Its Place
Live oak and southern magnolia hold up well. Our best trees to plant list has more.
Have Your Palm Checked
Send a photo or book a free estimate, and we will say plainly whether the palm can stay.