City of Atlanta Program
Free tree removal for low-income senior homeowners in Atlanta.
The Tree Removal Assistance Program (TRAP) covers full removal costs for low-income senior homeowners in the City of Atlanta. The 2026 ordinance doubled the annual budget to $400,000. Applications go through the City Arborist Division at 404-546-6874, not through EastLake.
What TRAP Covers
TRAP is a City of Atlanta program that funds tree removals for low-income senior homeowners who have a dangerous or declining tree on their property and can’t afford to remove it privately. The 2026 Tree Protection Ordinance doubled the annual budget to $400,000. The City delivers the program through a non-profit partner.
The eligibility window is narrow on purpose. To qualify, the applicant must own and occupy the home in the City of Atlanta limits, meet the City’s senior and low-income criteria, and have a tree that meets the program’s criteria for dangerous or declining condition.
EastLake doesn’t run the TRAP application. The application goes through the City Arborist Division. If you call us about a tree and TRAP looks like the right path, we’ll point you to the right number and explain what the program will and won’t cover. We do not bill an assessment fee for that conversation.
If you’re a family member trying to figure out whether your parent qualifies, the fastest path is to call the Arborist Division directly: 404-546-6874. Have the homeowner’s name, the property address, a rough sense of household income, and a description of the tree ready when you call.
If your situation falls outside TRAP, the homeowner isn’t a senior, the tree isn’t dangerous enough to qualify, or you need work that goes beyond what the program covers, we’re happy to talk through it. EastLake quotes private removal work the same way we quote any other tree job: an ISA-Certified Arborist on site, a written read on what the tree actually needs, and an honest assessment of whether removal is the right call.
Do you qualify? Quick check.
The City confirms eligibility during the application. This checklist is a starting point.
What to Have Ready When You Call the City
- •The homeowner’s name and property address
- •Proof of homeownership (mortgage statement or property tax bill)
- •Proof of household income (most recent tax return or pay stubs)
- •A photo of the tree if you have one
- •A description of why the tree is dangerous or declining
How the TRAP Process Works
The application goes through the City. EastLake’s role is education and referral.
Read the eligibility criteria
Review the candidacy checklist on this page. TRAP is specifically for low-income senior homeowners in the City of Atlanta.
(Optional) Talk to EastLake first
If you're not sure whether TRAP is the right path, call us at 404-850-1174. We don't bill for the conversation.
Gather your documents
Proof of homeownership, proof of household income, and a photo of the tree if you have one.
Apply through the City Arborist Division
Call 404-546-6874. The City and its non-profit partner administer the application. EastLake does not file TRAP applications.
The City and its non-profit partner take it from there
If approved, the City pays the contractor directly, the homeowner does not pay. Schedule and timeline are managed by the program.
What EastLake Can and Can’t Do on TRAP
We don’t run TRAP applications.The program is administered by the City Arborist Division and a non-profit partner. Calling EastLake won’t move you forward in the City’s queue.
We can help you figure out whether TRAP is the right path before you call the City.Send us a photo of the tree, give us a quick read on the situation, and we’ll tell you honestly whether TRAP is likely to apply. We don’t bill for that conversation.
If your situation is outside TRAP and you need private removal work, we quote it like any other tree job. An ISA-Certified Arborist on site, a written read on what the tree actually needs, and an honest assessment of whether removal is the right call.
TRAP Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for TRAP?+
TRAP is specifically for low-income senior homeowners in the City of Atlanta who own and occupy their home and have a dangerous or declining tree on the property. The City sets the income threshold and the senior age qualifier. The tree must be on the homeowner's property, trees in the city right-of-way are handled separately by the City. Eligibility is confirmed during the application process through the City Arborist Division at 404-546-6874.
How much does TRAP cover?+
When an application is approved, the City pays the contractor directly, the homeowner does not pay for the removal. The 2026 Tree Protection Ordinance doubled the program's annual funding to $400,000, delivered through a non-profit partner authorized by the City. The program covers the removal itself; some related costs (like complex permits on right-of-way trees, or replacement plantings outside the standard scope) may be handled differently. Confirm the specifics with the Arborist Division when you apply.
How long does the TRAP process take?+
Typical timelines depend on demand and the City's contractor schedule. The Arborist Division can give you a current read when you call. For trees that pose an imminent hazard, mention that on the call, emergency cases route differently from routine applications.
Does EastLake help with the paperwork?+
EastLake doesn't file TRAP applications, the program is administered by the City Arborist Division and a non-profit partner. What we do offer is a free phone conversation if you're not sure whether TRAP is the right path for your situation: we can read the tree from a photo, explain what the program will and won't cover, and point you to the right number. If your situation falls outside TRAP and you need private removal work, we quote it like any other tree job. Call us at 404-850-1174 or call the Arborist Division directly at 404-546-6874.
How to Apply
Apply Through the City Arborist Division
TRAP applications are handled by the City Arborist Division. Have your documents ready and call directly. EastLake does not file applications and cannot move you up the City’s queue.
Call the City: 404-546-6874If your situation isn’t TRAP, the homeowner isn’t a senior, the tree isn’t severe enough to qualify, or you need work TRAP doesn’t cover, here’s how to reach EastLake for a private quote.
Talk to EastLake: 404-850-1174