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If major support roots are cut, the tree may become unstable. Many are located just below the soil’s surface. Even cutting roots that are less than one-half inch under or outside the edge of a tree’s canopy can cut off its water, causing it to decline, die, and eventually topple.

It is possible to cut down a tree on your property yourself, but we don’t recommend it. If the tree is short enough to easily reach the top branches, and the tree is far from power lines or structures, consider renting a chainsaw and removing it yourself. Trees that are larger than that, close to electrical lines, or close to fences, homes, sheds, or other structures should only ever be removed by professionals. Not only is the work dangerous, but you could damage structures on your property in the process.

Unfortunately, palm tree stumps are one of the most difficult types to remove due to how their roots grow. Unlike other trees, palm tree roots grow horizontally and vertically. Palm tree roots grow as deep as three feet into the ground, although soil and growing conditions could mean they go as far as 50 inches into the earth. 

If you want to be able to repurpose the grass in the area where you removed a stump later, you’ll have to dig quite deep—and perhaps wide—to trim away all the roots.

If you’re wondering whether you can plant a tree where the stump was removed, know that the soil conditions won’t be ideal, so you should avoid it. The soil beneath the previous tree will likely be depleted of nutrients, plus there may be roots left behind that will seriously hinder the growth of a new tree. Also, if you use salt or other chemical solutions to kill the stump, these can linger in the soil for months or even years and prevent healthy growth. It’s best to choose a different spot that’s at least three feet away for a new tree, or wait at least a year and thoroughly amend the soil before you plant.