Damas Tree Removal Dubai — Cost, Process & Complete Guide 2026
Damas Tree Removal Dubai — Quick Answer
In Dubai, Damas tree removal starts from AED 1,200 for a small tree under 3 metres, from AED 2,000 for 3 to 5 metres and from AED 3,000 above 5 metres. Stump and root removal is typically AED 600 – 1,500. Every tree and garden is different, so the final price is agreed after a free site visit.
- Tree: Damas (Conocarpus lancifolius), fast-growing, with aggressive water-seeking roots
- Main risk: roots cracking boundary walls, pools, drains, tiles and water pipes
- Protected? No — unlike the Ghaf tree, Damas is not protected, and Dubai Municipality has encouraged its removal since 2012
- Emaar communities: Emaar Community Management states Damas trees are not permitted and strongly encourages their removal (Emirates Living guidelines)
- Gated communities: your developer may ask for an approval first — we prepare the scope of work and documents, you submit them
- Who we are: Apex Landscape Works, Dubai villa landscaping and tree removal since 2015 — WhatsApp +971 52 483 7964
What is a Damas Tree?
The Damas tree is a fast-growing species that was widely planted in Dubai during the 1990s and 2000s because it provided quick shade and privacy screening at low cost. It is commonly found in villa communities including Arabian Ranches, Emirates Living, Springs, Meadows, Jumeirah, and Mirdif. However, Dubai Municipality has active campaigns against damas tree since 2012 and officially advises against planting them, and many villa communities now discourage new planting of damas tree because of the damage the roots can cause to walls, pools and pipes. In Emaar communities such as Emirates Living, Emaar Community Management states that Damas trees are not permitted and strongly encourages owners to remove them.How to Identify a Damas Tree in Your Garden
Many families moving into older Dubai villas don't know they have Damas trees. Look for:
- A dense, upright evergreen tree or tall hedge, often planted in a row along the boundary wall
- Narrow, pointed, lance-shaped green leaves (lancifolius means "lance-shaped leaves")
- Small, round, cone-like seed clusters and a lot of leaf litter
- A heavy, unpleasant smell when it flowers
- Very fast growth — it needs cutting back again and again
Not sure? Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will tell you if it is a Damas tree, free of charge.
Why Are Damas Trees Dangerous?
The root system of a Damas tree is extremely aggressive. It spreads far beyond the tree itself, searching for water underground. This causes:🧱 Cracked Boundary Walls
Cracked and broken boundary walls.🚰 Damaged Pipes & Irrigation
Damaged underground water pipes and irrigation systems.🏊 Cracked Swimming Pools
Cracked swimming pool walls and floors.🕳️ Blocked Drainage
Blocked and broken drainage systems.🪨 Damaged Tiles & Pathways
Damaged floor tiles and garden pathways.🌱 Weak Surrounding Plants
Reduced growth of surrounding plants due to water competition.Dubai Municipality and Damas Trees
Dubai Municipality has been running active removal campaigns in villa communities since 2012. Areas like Arabian Ranches and Emirates Living have seen large-scale removal of Damas trees from public and private properties. Residents are officially advised to remove Damas trees from their properties. If you have one in your garden, removal is strongly recommended before the roots cause serious damage.Protected Trees vs Damas Trees
Note: Certain trees in the UAE are protected by law, including the Ghaf tree and Acacia trees. These cannot be removed without special permission. Damas trees however are not protected — in fact their removal is encouraged.
Signs Damas Roots Are Already Damaging Your Villa
Damas roots work underground for years before the damage shows. Check your villa for these warning signs, especially within a few metres of the tree:
- Hairline or growing cracks in the boundary wall next to the tree
- Interlock tiles or pathways lifting or sinking
- A DEWA water bill that keeps rising with no visible leak
- Slow or blocked drains and gully traps
- Damp patches, or irrigation lines that keep breaking in the same area
- Cracks or leaks near the swimming pool
If you see two or more of these, send us a photo on WhatsApp — the earlier the roots are removed, the smaller the repair bill. Root damage to pipes often shows up as a leak first; see our irrigation repair Dubai service.
Trim, Cut or Fully Remove? Your Options
| Option | What it means | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Trimming / height reduction | Tree stays, crown is reduced. Roots keep growing. | Trees far from walls, pools and pipes |
| Cutting at ground level | Tree is gone, but the stump and roots stay — a Damas stump can sprout again. | Budget jobs where roots are not near structures |
| Full removal with stump & roots | Tree, stump and main roots dug out, site cleaned. | Trees close to walls, pools, drains or the house |
Many Dubai villas also have Damas planted as a hedge row along the boundary wall. We remove single trees and full hedge rows — hedges are priced after the site visit, by length, height and root spread.
How Much Does Damas Tree Removal Cost in Dubai?
The cost of Damas tree removal in Dubai depends on the size of the tree and whether you want the stump and roots removed as well. Every tree and every garden is different — growth, root spread, access and nearby walls or pipes all affect the work — so the prices below are starting guides, not fixed rates.| Damas Tree Removal Dubai — Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Small Damas tree under 3 metres | from AED 1,200 |
| Medium Damas tree 3 to 5 metres | from AED 2,000 |
| Large Damas tree above 5 metres | from AED 3,000 |
| Stump and root removal (depending on size, age of tree, root spread, location and access) | typically AED 600 – 1,500 |
| Emergency same-day removal | additional charges apply |
How Is Damas Tree Removal Done?
Professional Damas tree removal is not a simple job. It requires trained teams, proper equipment, and safety precautions — especially in residential areas where surrounding walls, pipes, and plants must be protected. At Apex Landscape Works our removal process follows these steps:Site Assessment
Our team visits your property, assesses the tree size, location, and surrounding infrastructure, and provides a detailed quote.Safety Setup
We secure the area around the tree to protect your walls, garden, and property from any damage during removal.Tree Removal
Depending on the tree size we use climbing techniques, aerial lifts, or sectional cutting to safely bring the tree down in controlled sections.Stump and Root Extraction
This is the most important step. Simply cutting the tree at ground level is not enough — the roots will continue growing. We dig out and extract the stump and main roots completely.Site Cleanup
We remove all debris, wood, and waste from your property, leaving your garden clean and ready for replanting.What to Plant After Damas Tree Removal?
After removing a Damas tree, many homeowners want to replace it with a safer alternative that still provides shade and privacy. We recommend:🌴 Palm Trees
Elegant, clean root systems, perfect for Dubai villas.🌸 Frangipani
Beautiful flowering tree, compact roots.🌺 Bougainvillea
Fast growing, colourful, low maintenance.🌳 Ghaf Tree
UAE's national tree, drought resistant and fully legal.🌿 Sidr Tree
Native UAE tree, recommended by UAE authorities as a Damas replacement.🌷 Pink Trumpet Tree
Flowering shade tree, popular in Dubai villas.🟩 Artificial Grass
For areas where the ground was damaged by roots.Tip: in Emaar communities, all new trees must be planted at least 1.5 metres away from villa boundary walls (Emaar guidelines). We plan new planting with this in mind — see our soft landscaping Dubai service.
Why Choose Apex Landscape Works for Damas Tree Removal Dubai?
✅ Free Site Visit
Free site visit and quote for Damas tree removal Dubai.⚡ Same-Week Service
Same week service available across Dubai.🌳 Stump & Roots
Stump and root extraction available — scope agreed on site.🧹 Full Cleanup
Full site cleanup and garbage disposal after removal.Damas Tree Removal in Dubai Communities
Other trees? See our full Tree Removal Dubai service and our Date Palm Removal Dubai guide.
Damas Trees in the UAE — What the News Reports
The problems with Damas roots are well documented in the UAE press. Gulf News reported roots running along about 25 metres of a Dubai villa's compound wall, and Sharjah removing 25,000 Damas trees in six months. Khaleej Times reported over 4,000 Damas trees uprooted in Ras Al Khaimah because they blocked water and sewage networks. The National notes the tree was planted for its heat and salt tolerance, but its roots can damage walls and drains. Khaleej Times also reported beekeepers' concerns that Damas nectar affects honey quality, and that UAE authorities recommend native trees such as Sidr instead.
Sources: Gulf News (2020), Khaleej Times (2018), The National (2021), Emaar Community Management — Emirates Living home and garden FAQs.
Damas Tree Removal Dubai — FAQs
How much does Damas tree removal cost in Dubai?
As a starting guide, from AED 1,200 for a small Damas tree under 3 metres, from AED 2,000 for 3 to 5 metres and from AED 3,000 above 5 metres. Stump and root removal is typically AED 600 – 1,500 depending on the tree and the site. Your final price is agreed after a free site visit.
Do you remove the stump and roots?
Yes, we can dig out the stump and main roots. How far we go depends on the root spread, nearby walls, pipes and pool, and access to the garden — we agree this with you during the site visit.
Is the Damas tree illegal in Dubai?
Existing Damas trees are not illegal to own, but Dubai Municipality has urged residents to remove them since 2012, and Emaar Community Management states Damas trees are not permitted in communities such as Emirates Living. Removal is encouraged, and Damas trees are not a protected species.
Why is my DEWA water bill so high — could it be Damas roots?
It can be. Damas roots grow towards water and can break into underground pipes and irrigation lines, causing hidden leaks. If your bill keeps rising and a Damas tree is near your pipes, ask for a leak check — see our irrigation repair Dubai service.
Does home insurance cover Damas root damage?
It depends on your policy, so check with your insurer — many policies treat slow root damage differently from sudden damage. After our site visit we can share photos and a written scope of the root damage to support your discussion with the insurer.
Can a Damas tree grow back after cutting?
If the stump and main roots are left in the ground, a Damas tree can sprout again and the roots can keep spreading. That is why we recommend stump and root extraction wherever the site allows it.
Is it allowed to remove a Damas tree in Dubai?
Damas trees are not a protected species, and Dubai Municipality has encouraged their removal since 2012. In gated communities your developer may ask for an approval first — we help you prepare the scope of work and the documents, and you submit them.
How quickly can you remove a Damas tree?
Timing depends on the tree size, the roots and access. We confirm the schedule with your quote, and same-week service is available across Dubai.
Will removing the Damas tree stop the damage to my walls and pipes?
Removing the tree with its stump and main roots stops the roots from spreading further. Walls, pipes or tiles that are already damaged still need repair — we can quote for that during the same site visit.
Do you remove Damas hedges along the boundary wall?
Yes. We remove single Damas trees and full hedge rows in Dubai villas. Hedges are priced after the site visit by length, height and root spread.
What should I plant after removing a Damas tree?
Palms, frangipani, bougainvillea, Sidr, Pink Trumpet or a Ghaf tree are good choices — planted at least 1.5 metres from boundary walls. Where roots have damaged the ground, we can level it and lay artificial grass or new planting.