remove sick and dying palm
 

I'm afraid that a large ribbon palm in our front yard is a "dead man walking." Any suggestions on who could remove it. Someone drove up yesterday and said they would cut it down for $80 and remove the stump for an extra $30. Being new to TV we are reluctant to use anyone that just shows up with a pick up. Thanks.

This was a very wise move on your part. Don't get rushed into a hasty decision. The offer sounds good - maybe too good to be true. Depending on the size of your palm, you may need approval from the Architectural Review Committee to cut the tree down. If it is really dead, that is usually a rubber stamp but you may need a "second opinion" as to whether it is dead or not - an opinion from a reputable landscaper, arborist, or similar. A good landscaper will know that ARC approval is required in The Villages before cutting down a tree and will so advise you and will probably take care of getting the approval. Sorry, I don't have any company that I can recommend but only because I have had no experience with this sort of problem.

I fully understand about architectural approval, and I'd let them know my intent, but If I had a dead tree, I'd remove it, with or without approval.
$110 sounds pretty reasonable, not knowing the size of it. I'd get the stump removed. This is likely a 20 minute job (again, not knowing the size).
Cut the sucker down, and dig the stump out of the sand (takes a strong back). Get another quote if it makes you feel better.

Good hardy replacements, depending on what you like and how much room, would be a pindo, windmill or european fan palm.

Best wishes

Think I would do a little research and make sure that the "workers" have insurance to cover any damage to your home/yard and to themselves. Could be liability issues if they don't have any type of coverage.

Do you need some kind of approval to plant a palm?

As mentioned already, yes you need to get ARC approval. If I recall correctly without pulling it out, the deed restrictions state cutting down any tree with a larger diameter then 10 inches ARC must be approved.

Army Guy