A healthy tree adds value, shade and character to any Gold Coast property. But trees can develop structural problems that aren't always obvious from the outside, and by the time the signs are clear, the risk is already significant. Here are the warning signs to look for, including some specific to the palms and subtropical species common across the region.

Tree removal is one of those jobs where the price can vary a lot depending on what you’re dealing with. A small tree in an open backyard is a very different job to a large gum overhanging a pool or a palm tree growing next to a fence line. So when people ask us how much it costs, the honest answer is: it depends.

It is one of the most common questions Gold Coast homeowners ask before picking up the phone to an arborist. Can you remove a palm tree without council approval, or do you need a permit first? The answer depends on the species of palm, its size and where it is located on your property. This guide covers the Queensland and Gold Coast City Council rules, which palm species require a permit, what the removal process involves and what it costs.