Tree removal can be an expensive but necessary task for homeowners, especially when the trees pose risks to property or safety. Fortunately, various programs exist to help seniors, veterans, and low-income households.
This guide provides a complete overview of the free and discounted tree removal options, including government grants, non-profit initiatives, and assistance programs.
Before we start it’s worth pointing out that tree services will not remove trees for free. They run a business and have bills to pay and families to feed, so the money does have to come from somewhere.
There are unique cases where a tree or trees, have more value in timber than it costs to cut them down, so tree removal in exchange for wood is possible in certain scenarios, but it is rare.
Most of the time the money comes from the government in the form of grants and assistance programs.
How Much Does Tree Removal Typically Cost?
The cost of removing trees varies greatly from tree to tree and city to city. It even varies depending on whether you get your tree removed in summer or winter. That is a subject beyond the scope of this post, but I have a very detailed guide about the removal of trees and their cost here which will answer all your questions.
Generally, tree removal costs range from $500 to $7,700. The average cost of tree removal is $1,257.
How much you pay for tree removal depends on:
- Size of the tree to remove
- Number of trees to remove
- Tools used
- How long it will take to complete the job
- Type of the tree
- The health of the tree. Healthy trees are difficult to remove. Arborists will charge you more for difficult-to-remove healthy trees
- Access to your location
Free Tree Removal for Seniors
There is no country-wide federal program to assist seniors with tree removal. However, lots of cities and counties have their own programs. Most are geared towards dead, dying, or hazardous trees.
If your city or county does not have a program, we will discuss other ways for you to get your tree removed for free or for a lesser amount in this article so keep on reading.
Hazardous Tree Removal and Tree Assistance Programs for Seniors
Escambia County, Florida
For trees that are posing a danger to your residence in Escambia County, you can take advantage of the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Residential Hazardous Tree Program.
As a senior, you will be able to avail of free tree trimming or removal if your household income does not exceed 80 percent of Escambia County Median Area Income.
Also, the tree to be removed or its limb must have obvious signs of rot or damage. Your property must also be free of outstanding judgment liens, code violations, and/or delinquent taxes.
Funding is based on availability and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The CRA will be providing a licensed and insured contractor to take care of the tree trimming or removal as the case may be.
You can reach out to the Escambia CRA for free tree removal at 221 Palafox Place, Suite 305, Pensacola FL 32502, or send an email to CRA@myescambia.com.
Alabama Home Maintenance Services for Seniors
Several home maintenance services for seniors are obtainable in Alabama. Free tree removal is one of them. You can request for free tree removal services from the local providers in this database.
Eldorado County, California
If you’re a low-income senior in El Dorado County, California, we have good news. The County of El Dorado and the California Department of Forestry (CAL FIRE) have extended their Tree Mortality grant to aged low-income homeowners who are 60 years of age or older.
There is approximately $200,000 set aside to help senior citizens remove dead and dying trees that endanger their residences.
To be eligible for this offer, the tree must be:
- Dead or dying
- Greater than 10 inches in diameter and 20 feet in height
- Within 300 feet of and pose a structural threat to, the residence
- Reasonably accessible by equipment or machinery
To apply for this free tree removal for seniors, you can contact the Community Development Services, Housing Community, and Economic Development Program at (530) 621-5159.
Amador County, California
In an effort to improve public safety, Amador County has launched a new project to remove dead and dying trees west of Highway 49. A recent survey identified hazardous trees that threaten roads, public travel, and private property. Right-of-entry forms have been sent to 111 property owners where these dangerous trees were found.
Through the County’s tree mortality program, marked trees and debris will be removed at no cost to property owners including seniors, with state-funded reimbursement.
Other Ways Seniors Can Get Free or Cheap Tree Removal
If you’re a senior looking for free tree removal services, you may need to assess the value of such trees. If they are trees like palm trees that are considered valuable, you may be optimistic about free tree removal. Non-valuable trees on the other hand will mostly require you to pay for the service, though at a discount.
1. Free Tree Removal for Exotic Trees
If you’re planning to remove an exotic tree that serves the needs of landscapers, you may get the tree removed for free and get paid as well. Such trees are seen as collector’s items but it’s difficult to come across trees that fit into this category.
Some examples of exotic landscaping trees include:
- Oriental Beech
- Silver Lime
- Pacific Red Cedar
- Tsuga de Californie
- Sessile Oak and a whole host of palm trees
2. Get Help From an Experienced Neighbor
You may be lucky to get help from a neighbor who is experienced with tree removal if he or she is equipped with the right tools. Once you are able to communicate your needs in your neighborhood, it is very likely to get help from your neighbors as a senior.
3. Homeowners Insurance Coverage
In some cases tree removal is covered by homeowners’ insurance, but only after the tree has fallen in a storm or by other means.
If the tree falls and damages your home, fence, car, or any other item of value, you actually have a much better chance of getting your insurance to foot the bill. Your insurance company will not come to the party for a perfectly healthy tree you wish to remove.
If you have a dead tree that has fallen due to neglect, you may have a hard time getting the insurance company paying for the removal as they may argue you had neglected to maintain your trees and property.
4. Private Tree Removal Companies’ Discount Programs
There are several subsidized or discounted programs for seniors offered by private tree removal companies. These companies may be optimistic about carving a good name for themselves or are compelled to offer such free service to seniors as a government requirement.
It costs a tree company $500 – $7,700 per day in expenses to run with labor, equipment, fuel, insurance, etc. so they will need to cover costs and make a living on top of that so although most tree companies are charitable, they are not charities so they need to make a living to support their families.
You can check out the Ultimate Tree Service in Alabama. They offer a 10% discount to seniors.