How to remove saw palmettos, in short:
To eliminate saw palmettos in Florida, you must target their strongest point: their horizontal root system (rhizomes), which runs just beneath the soil surface. If you simply cut the plant above ground, it will quickly grow back vigorously.
For permanent removal, we recommend only mechanical excavation (root raking/grubbing).
This is the best option if you intend to build a structure or plant a lawn, as it removes the plant entirely.
- How it’s done: Heavy machinery—such as a tracked skid steer or an excavator equipped with a root rake or grapple attachment—is used. The tines of the rake penetrate 6 to 12 inches into Florida’s sandy soil, unearthing and pulling out the horizontal rhizomes.
- Advantage: It removes 100% of the plant in a single pass, leaving the ground clean and level.
- Disadvantage: It removes the topsoil and creates large piles of debris that must be buried, burned (with a permit), or hauled away by truck.
Get a free estimate: remove saw palmettos
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