For Georgia Residents (including
non-senior Atlanta residents):

Who are 65 or older and have an annual household income of $40,000 or less

If the permit is not approved, assistance is not available.

Do you need a recommendation for a tree service
to help you? If so, please click below.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for this funding, the following application requirements must be met. 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 homeowner.

1. Tree Removal Proposal: At least one proposal (also referred to as a quote or estimate) must be submitted with the application, and must be submitted by a tree service (contractor) that meets the following requirements:

• A Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) arborist employed by the tree service must evaluate the tree and oversee the project. (Click here to verify an ISA credential or click here to find an arborist in your area.)

  1. If the removal contractor does not currently employ a TRAQ-qualified arborist, an independent TRAQ arborist may oversee the project. This arborist must conduct an in-person site visit and provide a written statement or report confirming the condition of the tree. The Georgia Arborist Association will contact this arborist directly to verify their assessment.

• The contractor must hold General Liability as well as Worker’s Compensation insurance for all employees who will be working on the property. A Certificate of Insurance listing the property address must be included with application.

• The contractor has a current and valid business license in the state of Georgia.

2. Removal or pruning* justification: To be considered for funding, the explanation must clearly describe the condition of the tree, state the tree’s level of risk, and provide a specific, detailed reason why removal is recommended. The TRAQ form is preferred but not required. If a TRAQ form is not included, the following information must be provided within the arborist’s proposal:

• Tree species The specific species name. Example: Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata)

• Diameter at breast height (DBH) DBH measurement of the tree.

• Removal recommendation

  • Do you recommend removal of this tree?

  • If yes, please explain why.

• Conditions of concern Describe any defects, damage, decay, or other conditions that contribute to risk. Photos must be included showing all conditions of concern.

• Potential targets

  • If the tree fails, could it impact a structure, residence, or other critical infrastructure (for example, primary lines at the street or a street with heavy traffic)? Photos must clearly show the potential targets.

  • Consequences of Failure If impact occurs, would the consequences be significant (e.g., damage to an occupied home, essential utilities, or areas with frequent human activity)? Please briefly explain.

*Pruning is offered to City of Atlanta senior residents 65 or older with an annual household income of $40,000 or less*

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

4. Photographs of the tree: Provide pictures of the tree from at least three different angles as well as an aerial photo (can be a screenshot of an online map) indicating where the tree is on the property. 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 that demonstrate the tree’s condition may also be included.

5. Personal statement from the property owner: This should include information to support the application. 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. Home location requirement: The homeowner’s 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’s office for the specific municipality. This will be verified upon receipt of the application.

8. Homestead exemption for City of Atlanta senior residents who are 65 or older and have an annual household income of $40,000 or less.

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

• 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.

• If property limitations require the replacement tree to be planted in the same spot as the removed tree, which would make stump grinding necessary, the cost of stump grinding must be included in the arborist’s proposal.

Applications that are missing information or are incomplete will not be considered for funding. If you have questions about your application, please direct them to 770-738-8275 or TRAP@georgiaarborist.org.

THE ROLE OF THE GAA

The Georgia Arborist Association administers this program. It does not provide tree risk assessments, legal advice, or recommendations through this program. If your tree is not approved for funding, that does not mean the tree is safe or should remain in place. We strongly recommend that you speak with an ISA-Certified Arborist to determine the best course of action for your trees. 

GAA is not responsible for any decisions you make about your property or for any damage caused by trees that are not removed through this program. 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the Georgia Arborist Association (GAA) prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, religion, political beliefs, marital or family status, income derived from public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. 

GAA’s programs, activities, membership, services, and employment opportunities are open to all eligible individuals, and participation will not be denied on the basis of any protected status.