EAST POINT, Ga. — A massive tree fell on a property in East Point weeks ago, and it's still there. Now, the homeowner can't afford to remove it after receiving a warning from the city.
Chris Manning remembers the moment he got the call from a neighbor about the tree toppling over while he and his wife were out of town.
"Our neighbor right here called my wife; we were out somewhere and said, 'Hey, like, a huge branch just fell," Chris Manning said.
The tree toppled over on Plantation Drive, landing on power lines. Manning got several quotes that estimated the cost to remove the tree would be between $3,000 and $4,000.
East Point Code Enforcement issued Manning a warning to remove the tree. Manning asked for an extension. He was granted two more weeks.
"We have until September 30th to get rid of it--I mean, like get rid of it, not just cut it up," Manning said.
However, he said it's not enough time.
"How are you supposed to come up with four grand in two weeks?" Manning questioned.
Trees falling isn't uncommon in East Point. A few weeks ago, a tree fell, knocking out 6,000 yards of power lines and power for several residents.
In response, on Sep. 16, the City of East Point described its removal efforts for hazardous trees. The city has invested over $250,000 dollars for the current fiscal year and next year.
City arborists branch out to do daily assessments to look for trees that could pose risks to power lines. If the city deems it hazardous, they have one of four contracted arborists to remove it at no cost. However, once the tree falls on someone's personal property, like most cities, homeowners are on their own.
"If we do end up having to pay for it, it's going to go on a credit card," Manning said. "We're going to go into debt."
Code enforcement told 11Alive they're willing to work with Manning. However, the tree has to be removed soon. If it isn't removed promptly, Manning could face the courts and possible fines in addition to the cost of removing it. So far, Manning has not been fined.
"It's a tough situation," Manning said. "We don't have the money."
11Alive also found out that for homeowners like the Mannings, there is no financial assistance for removing the tree once it falls.