Seniors struggling to make ends meet have some options for financial help for tree removal. This is available for trees that have become hazardous or unstable.
The free tree removal program available for seniors in Florida is called the Residential Hazardous Tree Program. To be considered eligible, your household does not exceed 80% of Escambia County Median Area Income, and your property must be free of outstanding judgment liens, code violations, and/or delinquent taxes.
The particular tree or its limb must have obvious signs of rot or damage to get a free tree removal in Florida. There are also insurance companies that cover tree removal, but it is usually for fallen trees, not for standing ones.
The tree program for hazardous tree removal for seniors provides tree trimming and/or removal services to income-qualifying seniors in Florida.
Criteria for eligibility include:
- Property must be located in an Escambia County designated redevelopment district;
- Your property must be used for residential purposes and must be zoned residential;
- Property must be homestead exempt;
- Household income must be below 80% of Escambia County Median Area Income (listed below);
- A tree or limb must present a danger to the homeowner or neighbor’s primary residence and show obvious signs of rot or damage;
- Your property must be free of outstanding judgment liens, code violations, and/or delinquent taxes;
- The Community Redevelopment Agency must have approved the project before commencement.
Escambia County Median Area Income - Guidelines
This guideline of household incomes has been since April 25, 2022
| Household members | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80% Area Income | $43,300 | $49,500 | $55,700 | $61,850 | $66,800 | $71,750 | $76,700 | $81,650 |
Eligible improvements:
- Hazardous tree trimming, and
- Hazardous tree removal.
Other free tree removal options for seniors
Several options are available for free tree removal for seniors, such as non-profit organizations and local community foundations that do it. Also, county or local community or housing development programs do this because funding for these specific programs is available, and they are supposed to help the elderly.
On the other hand, the government agencies responsible for free tree removal for seniors are the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Area Agency on Aging Offices (AAAO).
Specific free tree removal options for seniors
Besides grants and government programs, there are a few other options for seniors to get free tree removal.
- Insurance company
- Barter system
- Help from a neighbor
- Public property tree
- Desirable timber
Insurance company
If there is coverage, the insurance company will remove the tree for seniors with a minimum deductible. Another reason that insurance companies will offer big discounts for tree removal is that the removal of hazardous trees reduces the risk of property damage.
Barter system
Seniors can get free tree removal in exchange for wood. Many trees are coveted for their materials, and if the tree is valuable, some companies will offer to remove it at little or no cost. They’ll even remove debris.
Help from a neighbor
If you have a good friendly neighbor that has or can find the tools reach out for help.
Public property tree
The city authorities have an obligation to remove the trees that pose a danger to your home and that are on public land.
Desirable timber
You can always find logging companies, individuals, or some organizations that will remove your tree with desirable timber for free.
Free tree removal in exchange for wood
You can not get this service if you have only one tree; there should be many trees with exotic timber.
Who removes?
- Homeowners that have log fires – for heating their homes
- Lumbering companies – they sell wood for profit
- Utility companies – if the trees interfere with power lines
- Tree services – may remove trees for firewood
- Landscapers – for resale
Factors to consider when removing trees for wood
| Consideration | The reason why |
|---|---|
| Location | If the tree has easy access, you will get free removal, but if the access is difficult, you will definitely have to pay for removal. |
| Species | If the tree is essential for landscaping or has high-quality timber, it will be removed for free. |
| Size | If the tree is large and valuable, it might be removed for free. |
| Utility companies | If the tree/s leans on power or sewer lines, it can be removed by utility companies for free. |
| Logging companies | Here is important the amount of wood that they will get from your tree/s. |
| DIY | Avoid this option because it is dangerous and requires a lot of money, effort, and time. |
Types of trees that can be removed in exchange for wood
The types of trees that can be removed for free in exchange for wood are divided into two groups, trees desirable for landscaping and trees wanted for timber.
Trees desirable for landscaping
- Palm trees
- Silk trees
- Frangipani
- Jacaranda
- Seagrape
Trees wanted for timber
- Black cherry
- Mahogany
- Red Maple Kingwood
- Rosewood
- Oak
