Private Tree Removal Program (Round 3)
Match Tree Removal Program
For this program, the City of Flint will match up to $2,000 dollars to assist with the removal of a private tree that is dangerous/dying or has become a safety concern. To Qualify:
Property must be zoned residential (i.e. dwelling, single family home).
Property must be owner occupied.
Only ONE property per owner is eligible.
Only ONE tree per property is eligible.
Residents understand the $2000 per party 50/50 match ($4000 total) may not cover full tree removal (stump, trunk, branches, etc.), however the funding will be used to remove the immediate safety concern of said tree.
Residents CANNOT apply for both the matching fund program and the income eligibility program, they must choose ONLY one program.
Grant Tree Removal Program
For this program, any resident that meets the income criteria as required for the HOPE Program, may apply for this program to request up to $2,000 to assist with the removal of a private tree that is dangerous/dying or has become a safety concern.
To Qualify:
Property must be zoned residential (i.e., dwelling, single family home).
Property must be owner occupied.
Only ONE property per owner is eligible.
Only ONE tree per property is eligible.
Submit:
Residents understand the funding towards this project may not allow for full tree removal (stump, trunk, branches, etc.), however the funding will be used to remove the immediate safety concern of said tree.
Residents CANNOT apply for both the matching fund (Match) program and the income eligibility (Grant) program, they must choose ONLY one program.
Residents must meet income eligibility requirements for a hardship exemption (see page 3 of application)
Completed applications and supporting documentation MUST BE approved by the Assessment Department (2nd floor, City Hall) for approval.
Per City of Flint Resolution, you must attach signed copies of the following for all persons living in the household:
- 2025 FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURN (1040) OR
- 2025 W 2’s & 1099’s. OR
- 2025 MICHIGAN INCOME TAX RETURN (MI–1040) OR
- 2025 SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT STATEMENT (SSA-1099)
- 2025 HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT FORM (MI–1040CR)
- YEAR END STATEMENTS FOR ASSET INFORMATION (See page 3 for additional info)
- IF YOU’RE CLAIMING NO INCOME. YOU MUST SUBMIT A DETAILED & NOTARIZED LETTER EXPLAINING HOW EXPENSES ARE BEING MET.
Senior Grant Tree Removal Program
For this program, the City of Flint will grant up to $2,000 dollars to assist with the removal of a private tree that is dangerous/dying or has become a safety concern for senior citizens (aged 65+). To Qualify:
Property must be zoned residential (i.e. dwelling, single family home).
Property must be owner occupied.
Only ONE property per owner is eligible.
Only ONE tree per property is eligible.
Residents understand the $2000 per party 50/50 match ($4000 total) may not cover full tree removal (stump, trunk, branches, etc.), however the funding will be used to remove the immediate safety concern of said tree.
Residents CANNOT apply for both the matching fund program and the income eligibility program, they must choose ONLY one program.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes! There are two programs that can be applied for.
A: Applications for the three programs can be picked up at The Mays Community and Senior Center, the McKinley Community Center, and the City Hall Information desk during normal business hours. The Match Program and the Senior Program also have an electronic application on the website for the program (see above)
A: While the standard is 1 tree per household, additional tree services may be provided if funding is available.
A: No. One (1) application per owner occupied residence.
A: You! The property owner will decide what tree work they would like to have done on their property. *There will be forestry professionals available to use as a resource, if needed.
A: No. You can only apply for one (1).
A: No. One (1) application per owner & household will be allowed to apply. If multiple applications are received for one household, the first application received will be accepted. All other applications will be ineligible.
A: There will be approximately a three (3) to four (4) week period to learn the details of the program and submit an application. The program starts June 12, 2026 and ends Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
A: The funding used to pay for the removal of the private tree is paid directly to the city vetted and hired tree contractor.
A: The City of Flint will have support available to answer questions and to assist in filling out the application by calling the Private Tree Hotline at 810-237-2093.
A: The application Match and Senior Applications will be made available both electronically and as a hard copy. The Grant Application is offered as a hard copy only through the city’s webpage (see above).
A: A formal announcement will be made to introduce the opening of the educational portion of the program. At that time, electronic and hard copy resources will be available sharing the process of the program.
A: No. All applications must be received within the timeline allowed to submit the application. Once the application acceptance has been closed, no further applications will be accepted. This process is in place to ensure all applicants have the same chance to be a part of the program.
A: There is a possibility that the cost to remove the tree may be more than what funding is available. If that happens, you will be required to sign a waiver as to what options are available and what you agree to in service. Remember that this program is about safety for you and your property.
A: Yes! As a property owner, you have the right to cut back vegetation from a bordering property that leans over your property and may cause damage to your property. In this instance, you must not cause enough damage to the neighboring vegetation that would cause it to be condemned or perish.
A: Once the pool of applications have been reviewed and accepted, the recipient will be notified by mail and phone.
A: The City of Flint will continue to seek support for additional funds to continue in the assistance of providing the residents of Flint a means to stay safe.
A: The City of Flint does not have a current resource in place to pay for a private tree to be planted, but there are several area agencies that sell plants, shrubs, and trees at a very reasonable price.