I know many of you will shudder that I want to kill this plant, but I hate this thing. I hate it so much, it is so ugly and taking up so much space. I understand they are extremely difficult to get rid of, so what's the best way to do this? Cut it up with a chainsaw and just get down in there with a pick and shovel and try and get as much of the root system up as possible? How much would a pro charge for this and what's the likelyhood of it just coming right back? It's next (2.5' away) to a very large Chinese tallow tree (about 80' tall and a real mess maker) I'm thinking of removing as well (also a pest) in which case I assume (?) that on pulling the stump from the tree (which will be huge) the saw palm roots will be easy pickings ...

Thinking of planting something attractive, large and fast growing in their place, maybe a weeping willow (it's about 60' from the house) or a tulip poplar.