PALM TREE REMOVAL

Hi

We are in the process of buying a home in the Mazarron area and plan to retire here next year. In the property we are buying is a large palm tree that is approx 30 feet that we want to remove.

I saw on this forum that someone in the area had their tree removed for 180 euro but cannot find the thread and I have also seen a suggestion that the council will remove palm trees free of charge.

Would appreciate any advice on companies to use and approximate costs

We will of course take advice from a professional before removing but it is very close to the property and the roots have lifted a couple of the patio slabs so it needs attention.

Palm trees have different root systems.  Theses tend to be very thin fibrous roots which travel long distances in search of a regular water supply.  The roots themselves are unlikely to cause damage or lifting of your patio tiles, unless these weren't laid well in the first place.

But the palms with a thicker trunk and base like Washingtonia develop a large root ball that forms directly below the tree and this can cause damage through compression as it expands, if it is planted too close.

I go with Hughjardon on this one.  If the palm tree is causing damage it's due to being planted too close, it's not the trees fault and you cannot cure the problem by pruning. 

Yes, for once I agree with hughjardon, lol. In our area (Extremadura) some beetle has been destroying palms and several of our villages have had to chop down wonderful old palm trees down because of this. On our finca we have planted palms as large as we can afford to buy, but they're not likely to get to anything like the size of these ones you want to destroy before we die. I think palms are the most exotic symbol of the Med/tropics. As Hugh might say, I'd like to have a really big one.

Well I know exactly what you mean dear. 

Particularly when it's a big wide one that's pointing provocably towards the sky, it makes you want to throw your arms around it and give it a big juicy kiss.

The communal pool on sector  "A" Camposol had four lovely palm trees in each corner which gave the surroundings a lovely look .They looked exotic... russling in the breeze. What a shock it was that some "jobsworths committee" had them all cut down to save on cleaning time round the sun bathing areas.  Even more of a shock for those living in the surrounding houses and caused a lot of bad feeling . Shame on the committee who organised the felling and for what ?