City of Atlanta Senior/Low income tree assistance program

Property owners with dead, dying, or diseased trees or tree parts that pose a current risk to their home or personal property may apply for a one-time award to cover the cost of tree removal or risk mitigation pruning. To be considered for this award, the following criteria must be met with the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Paper applications are available upon request.

  1. Tree Removal Permit: Tree owner must submit a confirmation of permit issued by the City of Atlanta.

  2. Tree Removal Proposal: At least one proposal (or quote) for removal must be submitted from a contractor who meets the following requirements:

    • Has a certified arborist on staff (preferably the person evaluating the tree).

    • Holds General Liability Insurance as well as Worker’s Compensation insurance for employees who will be working on the property.

    • Maintains a current and valid business license in the state of Georgia.

  3. Photographs of the Tree: Provide pictures of the tree from at least three different angles. The photos must show the tree’s base and crown, as well as the house or structure that the tree poses a threat to.

  4. Eligibility Requirement: The property must be meet the eligibility requirement of homestead exemption. Proof must be submitted that the Homestead Exemption applies. This can be found by visiting the Fulton County Tax Assessors website and viewing parcel information. For a list of applicable homestead exemption codes, please click here.

  5. All award payments will be made directly to the contractor once the work has been completed. Payment to the contractor will be made by The Georgia Arborist Association according to the terms of the contractor. No payments will be made directly to the homeowner.

  6. All applications will be reviewed in the first two weeks of every month. Notification of assignment of award will take place after the award committee has reviewed all applications. The award committee consists of (at least) 5 individuals who represent a diverse non-biased group. All identifying information will be removed from the applications before it is reviewed by the committee.

  7. Applications that are missing information or are incomplete will not be considered for the award. If you have questions about your application, please direct them to info@georgiaarborist.org.