DeKalb County has introduced a program to help senior citizens remove dangerous trees from their properties at no cost. The DeKalb Senior Tree Removal Program, which was approved by the Board of Commissioners in January 2025, will be managed by the Department of Community Development.
The program is open to homeowners in DeKalb County who are aged 62 years or older. To qualify, applicants must own and live in the residence where tree removal is needed. Additionally, household income must not exceed 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by federal guidelines. For a family of four, this limit is set at $68,520.
Eligible residents can apply for the program by obtaining a pre-application card. The card can be picked up at 178 Sams St., Suite A3500, Decatur 30030, or requested and submitted by mail to the same address. Residents may also call 404.371.2693 during business hours for more information or assistance with applying.
Funding for the program is limited, so county officials encourage eligible seniors to submit applications as soon as possible.
For additional context about DeKalb County’s demographics and services: In the 2022-23 school year, enrollment at DeKalb County schools dropped by 2.2% compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). During that same period, total student enrollment was reported at 98,287 students (https://www.gadoe.org/), with white students comprising 14% of the county’s student body (https://www.gadoe.org/).
