Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the tree's height, what it hangs over, access and how much wood has to be hauled. Homeyou's October 2026 Honolulu guide puts removal of a medium tree at about $778 to $1,046, and LawnStarter lists Honolulu averages of about $403 for trimming and $730 for removal. Coconut palm trims usually cost less than a shade tree. We give a written price after seeing the tree.

The city's tree rules center on two groups: trees on the city's Register of Exceptional Trees, which need an approved permit before pruning, and street trees in the planting strip by the curb, which need a Department of Parks and Recreation permit. The Division of Urban Forestry at (808) 971-7151 can confirm a tree's status.

Hawaiian Electric says homeowners are responsible for trees on their property near the service line and for damage those trees cause to it. The utility can de-energize and lower the service line on request so the tree can be worked on safely; call (808) 543-7836 on Oʻahu before anyone works within 10 feet of the line. Lines along the street are trimmed by the utility's own crews.

The Aloha Arborist Association's guidelines call for coconut palms in developed areas to be pruned at least twice a year, mainly so nuts and dead fronds do not fall on people and property. Palms over walkways, driveways, lanais or a neighbor's yard are the priority. Healthy green fronds above horizontal should stay on the tree.

Adult beetles bore into the crown, so look for new fronds that break or fall as they open, damaged fronds and holes near the top of the palm. Infestations can kill a palm if the growing point is damaged. If you suspect it, the state's CRB response line is (808) 679-5244, and green waste from the palm should be kept covered when it is moved.

Either works, depending on volume. The city's green cart takes pieces cut to fit with the lid closed, and convenience centers and transfer stations accept green waste with load limits. For a full trim or removal, hauling is usually included in the quote, and the material is moved covered to an approved green waste site.

We work across Honolulu and nearby south shore and windward communities, and after a storm we take calls in order of danger: trees on roofs, blocked exits and limbs on vehicles first. If a tree is on a power line, stay clear and call Hawaiian Electric or 911. You can call (808) 746-9674 any time to leave details and photos.

The city's rules focus on two kinds of trees. Street trees in the planting strip by the curb need a permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation, and trees on the Register of Exceptional Trees are protected by city ordinance. If you are unsure, the Division of Urban Forestry at (808) 971-7151 can tell you.

Large albizia are tall, grow fast, and have brittle limbs that can break unpredictably, so they are usually taken down piece by piece with rigging. Many grow on steep valley edges where access is hard. Removing them while they are still small costs far less.

Often only when a tree falls on a covered structure because of a covered event such as a windstorm, and then usually just for the part needed to clear and repair the damage. A healthy tree removed as a precaution is generally not covered. Check your policy and keep photos.

Only if you want it. Stump grinding is a separate line on the quote, and it can be done the same day as the removal or later. Palm stumps should not be left to rot, because rotting palm material is where coconut rhinoceros beetles breed.

Many fast-growing shade and fruit trees need attention every one to three years here, because growth continues year-round. Trees in wet valleys usually need it more often than the same species near the coast. Palms are on their own schedule, usually twice a year for coconuts.

Most trees can be pruned any time of year here. The useful timing is getting heavy limbs reduced before the June-to-November hurricane season and before winter Kona storms, and pruning fruit trees after harvest so you don't cut off next season's flowers.

Generally you can trim branches on your side of the property line, but you should not damage the tree's health, and it is wise to talk with your neighbor first. If the tree is a city street tree, pruning it without a permit is unlawful. We can quote the work and make cuts at proper points rather than at the fence line.

No. Topping is considered a prohibited practice under national pruning standards. It leaves large wounds that decay and forces quick sprouts that are weakly attached and break easily. Reduction pruning shortens a tree properly.

At least twice a year in developed areas, according to the Aloha Arborist Association's guidelines. Palms over walkways, parking or play areas may need it more often if they are heavy producers. Regular trims also keep each visit quicker and cheaper.

No. Removing healthy green fronds above horizontal starves the palm and can weaken it permanently. Only dead, hanging fronds and those touching structures or lines should come off.

The property owner. The city maintains palms on city land, but palms on private homes, condos and other private property are the owner's responsibility. Regular nut removal is the simplest way to manage the risk.

Look for new fronds that break or fall as they open and for holes or chewed tissue near the crown. Call the state's CRB response line at (808) 679-5244, and keep any trimmings covered rather than piling or mulching them. A palm that has died should be removed and its stump ground, since rotting palm wood is where the beetle breeds.

Usually several inches below the soil surface, enough to cover with soil and grass. Deeper grinding is possible where you plan to plant or build. Tell us what you plan for the spot and we will set the depth to match.

Most trees will not regrow once the stump and root flare are ground out. Some species can send up sprouts from remaining roots for a while; these can be cut or ground. Palms do not resprout from the stump.

Yes, especially on Oʻahu. Decaying palm stumps are breeding sites for coconut rhinoceros beetle, which has damaged thousands of coconut palms on the island. Grinding removes that habitat.

Usually, yes, though the last few inches against a wall may need to be cut by hand to avoid damage. We look at the wall's footing and tell you before quoting how close we can grind.

Get everyone out of the affected rooms, stay clear of any downed wires and call 911 if anyone is hurt or a line is down. Photograph the damage for insurance. Then call a tree company to remove the tree before roof repairs begin; tarping can follow.

Usually the owner of the property where the tree landed handles cleanup through their own insurance, unless the tree was obviously dead or neglected beforehand. It depends on your policy, so talk with your insurer. We can work with either owner.

Regular green cart service continues, and after major storms the city has sometimes offered special curbside pickups for branches and trunks cut to set lengths. Those programs are time-limited, so check current announcements. Large volumes are usually hauled as part of the tree work.

We work across Honolulu and nearby communities and take storm calls in order of danger. Call (808) 746-9674 any time to leave the address, what happened and photos, and we will call you back to arrange a visit.

Ideally in the months before June, when the central Pacific season begins. That leaves time for trees to start closing cuts before the peak months. If a tree has an obvious hazard, such as a cracked limb over the roof, it should not wait for spring.

No. Remove the nuts, flower stalks and dead or hanging fronds, but leave the healthy green fronds. Over-trimming weakens the palm and does not make it safer in wind.

Thinning the outer canopy and reducing long, heavy limbs lowers wind load and leverage, which reduces the chance of breakage. It will not make a tree immune, and a tree with serious root or trunk decay may need removal instead.

After Lala in 2026, the trees reported failing most included albizia, royal poinciana, eucalyptus and yellow poinciana in small planting spaces, along with trees whose roots let go in soaked ground. Large trees with two main trunks from one base are also more likely to split.