DeKalb County has introduced a new program aimed at helping senior citizens remove dangerous trees from their properties at no cost. The DeKalb Senior Tree Removal Program, approved by the Board of Commissioners in January 2025, will be managed by the Department of Community Development.
The program is open to DeKalb County homeowners who are aged 62 or older. To qualify, applicants must use the property as their principal residence and have a total household income at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by the federal government. For example, for a family of four, the maximum qualifying income is $68,520.
Interested residents can obtain a pre-application card in person at 178 Sams St., Suite A3500, Decatur 30030. They may also complete and submit the card by mail or return it to the same address. Additionally, applications can be initiated by calling 404.371.2693 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). Funds for this initiative are limited and officials encourage early submission of applications.
Questions about the program can be directed to 404.371.2693 during regular business hours.
In related county news, enrollment at DeKalb County schools dropped by 2.2% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). During that period, DeKalb County schools enrolled a total of 98,287 students (https://www.gadoe.org/), with white students comprising 14% of the student body (https://www.gadoe.org/).
