Enhancing Community Safety by Reducing Tree Risk in Underserved Areas

Property owners with dead, dying, or diseased trees 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. 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. The arborist working on the project may fill out the application on behalf of the property owner.

1. Tree Removal Proposal: At least one proposal must be submitted from a contractor who meets the following requirements:

   1. Has a certified arborist on staff (must be the person evaluating the tree and overseeing the project).

   2. Holds General Liability Insurance as well as Worker’s Compensation insurance for employees who will be working on the property. Certificate of Insurance listing the property address must be included with application.

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

2. Removal Justification: The proposal must clearly describe the condition of the tree and provide a specific, detailed reason for its removal. To be considered for funding, the explanation must reference the level of risk involved and justify why removal is necessary. TRAQ form preferred but not required.

3. Permit Requirement: If the municipality where the property is located requires a tree removal permit, it must be included with the application. Applications submitted without the necessary permits will not be considered.

4. 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. Specific photos demonstrating tree condition may also be included.

5. Personal Statement from the Property Owner: This should include information to support the request for the award. For example: “I am the property owner at 311 Riverdale Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. The river birch on my property is dead, and limbs keep falling on my roof. I am on a fixed income and live alone, without the means to hire a tree company."

6. Location Requirement: The property must be located within a GA TAG and ReLeaf Match Waiver area in the state of Georgia. Applicants can verify their eligibility by checking their address on the designated GA TAG and ReLeaf Match Waiver map [link to map].

7. Homestead Exemption: The homeowner must have Homestead Exemption status. To check Homestead Exemption Status, please visit QPublic or consult the tax assessor office for the specific municipality. This will be verified upon receipt of application.

8. 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.

9. Tree Replacement: If a tree is approved for removal through this program, the homeowner must agree to allow the Georgia Arborist Association (GAA) or representative to plant a replacement tree on the same property. Replacement trees will comply with planting guidelines regarding species selection, size, and placement.

10. Homeowners will be able to choose a tree from a pre-approved species list provided by GAA. Planting will occur during the appropriate dormant season (typically fall or winter), and within one year of the original tree’s removal.

11. If property limitations require the replacement tree to be planted in the same location as the removed tree, and stump grinding is necessary, please ensure that the cost of stump grinding is included in the arborist’s proposal.

12. All applications will be reviewed in the first two weeks of every month from February until December. Notification of assignment of award will take place after the award committee has reviewed all applications. The award committee consists of up to 10 individuals who represent a diverse non-biased group. All identifying information will be removed from the applications (except for the GA TAG and ReLeaf Match Waiver tract number) before it is reviewed by the committee.

13. An appeals process will be made available to applicants who are denied funding based on the condition of the tree.

14. 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.