As people age, they may find themselves unable to take care of their trees like they used to. Cutting down and removing a tree can be a difficult and dangerous task, so many seniors choose to forgo this job and let their tree grow out of control. However, there are several ways that seniors can get free or discounted tree removal services. In this blog post, we will discuss how to get all of them. Keep reading to learn more!
How Much Is It to Cut Down a Tree?
Depending on the size and location of a tree, the prices for tree removal can alter. In general, the larger the tree, the more it will cost to remove. In addition, trees located in difficult-to-reach areas will also typically cost more to remove than trees that are easily accessible.
The average cost of tree removal is around $350. However, some tree removal companies charge by the hour, so the final cost will depend on how long it takes to remove the tree.
How to Get Free Tree Removal for Senior Citizens?
Many organizations, companies, and individuals offer free or discounted tree removal services to seniors. Sometimes, the tree may need to be removed for safety or legal reasons. In other cases, the tree may simply be too large or difficult for the senior to take care of on their own.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways to get free or discounted tree removal services as a senior citizen. Therefore, we’ve prepared a list of tips on how you can get free tree removal services as a senior.
Search for Senior Discounts
Many tree removal companies offer seniors discounts on their services. These discounts can include a percentage of the total cost of the job or a free estimate. Some companies also offer free or discounted tree removal services to seniors who are unable to take care of their trees on their own.
Talk to Landscapers
There’s a slight chance that you have some exotic trees that fit the needs of landscapers. They’ll want to take your trees and turn them into something special for other people’s yards. This is an excellent way of getting free tree removal services.
Some examples of exotic landscaping trees are Jelly Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm, Mexican Blue Fan Palm, Senegal Date Palm, and Guadalupe Palm trees. You can find landscapers that want your exotic trees by contacting a local nursery or searching online.
Sell Valuable Trees to Get Free Tree Removal
If the tree removal company deems your tree valuable for its timber, you could get free tree removal in exchange for the wood. Much like exotic trees, other trees are wanted for the high-quality timber they can provide.
A few examples of these valuable timbers come from Ashwood, Black Cherry Wood, Kingwood, Oaktree, Swietenia Mahogany Wood, Western Red Cedar, and Rosewood of the Dalbergia species. Moreover, all of them can be legally removed without necessary permits.
Use Community Resources
Check with your local municipality or city government. In many cases, the city will offer free tree removal services to seniors, especially if the tree is in a public space or poses a safety hazard.
Many churches, civic organizations, and non-profit groups also provide free or low-cost tree removal services. These organizations often have volunteers who are experienced in tree removal and can help seniors take care of their trees.
Consider Applying for a Grant
If you live in an area that’s susceptible to extreme weather or wildfires, your local government may offer grants to help with the costs of removing trees or vegetation. In addition, some non-profit organizations are devoted to managing safe vegetation and are willing to help with the cost of tree removal in certain areas.
Be mindful that these grants are usually quite specific, but they can be helpful if you reside in an area where reducing dangerous trees and brush would be advantageous.
Call Your Local Utility Company
If the tree is growing too close to power lines, the utility company may be willing to remove it for free or at a discounted rate. This is for safety reasons, as trees that are too close to power lines can cause power outages or other damage.
Check In With Your Insurance Company
If the tree is damaged or poses a risk of damage to your home, your insurance company may be willing to cover the cost of removal. This is typically only the case if the tree is damaged due to a natural disaster, such as a storm.
Get in Touch With Arborists
Arborists are professionals who specialize in the care of trees. Many arborists offer discounts to seniors or may be willing to remove a tree for free if it poses a safety hazard.
Get Help From an Experienced Neighbor
In some cases, an experienced neighbor may be able to help with tree removal. This is especially true if the tree is in a shared space, such as a fence line.
Contact Private Contractors
In some cases, seniors may be able to find private contractors who offer discounts on tree removal services. Some companies offer discounts to seniors, while others may offer lower rates for tree removal services if the tree is being removed for safety reasons. It’s always a good idea to get multiple estimates from different contractors before hiring anyone to remove a tree.
Use Barter System
The barter system will be helpful if you want to have your tree removed without paying. You would offer something in exchange for the job being done. It is important that both parties reach a mutual agreement, as each must be satisfied with what they are receiving in exchange for their service. Seniors could offer the timber from their wood in exchange for free services. If this doesn’t work, they could exchange other services as long as the other party is satisfied.
Consider Legal Considerations
In some cases, local laws and regulations may make it difficult or impossible to remove a tree without the proper permits. Homeowners should check with their city or county government to see if there are any special rules in place regarding tree removal.
In addition, some municipalities have programs in place that offer free or discounted tree removal services to seniors and other low-income residents.
Conclusion
There are a number of ways that seniors can get free or discounted tree removal services. Many cities and counties offer programs that provide these services to low-income residents, and there are also a number of private contractors who offer discounts to seniors. In some cases, the utility company may be willing to remove a tree for free if it poses a safety hazard.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, please comment below!
Thank you for reading!
Morgan Elfman is a compassionate writer, dedicated caregiver, and passionate advocate for senior well-being. Born and raised with a deep sense of empathy and a natural inclination towards service, Morgan has devoted her life to making a positive impact on the lives of seniors.
As a writer for www.choiceseniorlife.com, Morgan utilizes his skills to create insightful and informative content that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by seniors and their families. Her articles not only provide valuable information on health, lifestyle, and care options but also strive to inspire and empower seniors to lead fulfilling lives.
