Normally, damaged trees requiring removal  are cut flush at the ground. However, when a disaster uproots a tree or stump (i.e., 50% or more of the root  ball is exposed) on a public right-of-way, improved public property, or  improved property owned by certain private nonprofit organizations, and the  exposed root ball poses an immediate threat to life, public health, and safety,  FEMA may provide assistance to remove (i.e., extract, transport, dispose of,  and provide fill for the root cavity of) an eligible uprooted tree or  stump.
   When eligible, stump removal must be  accomplished by the most economical means.
   Damaged trees on private property rarely meet  the public interest standard because they do not affect the public at large  and generally are not the legal responsibility of a State or local  government. Trees are the responsibility of the property owner.
   There are size requirements. Those requirements  and other limitations on the eligibility of stump removal are described in  FEMA Policy 9523.11, Hazardous Stump Extraction and Removal  Eligibility.
   (See also Trees,  Shrubs, and Other Ground Cover.)
   References:   Hazardous Stump Extraction and Removal Eligibility, FEMA Policy  9523.11, dated May 15, 2007
   Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322, pages 68-69