The next several slides take a closer look at eligibility considerations for the following common types of vegetative debris:
While hazardous limbs, trees, and stumps are generally eligible to receive funding, debris removal activities for vegetative debris are generally not eligible when:
While broken limbs or branches are common types of vegetative debris and are generally eligible, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration when making an eligibility recommendation. For instance, the Applicant should take into account the location of the broken limb or branch; specifically, whether it is on public land or is it on private property. The location will help FEMA determine whether the limb or branch may be eligible for Public Assistance.
Generally, not eligible unless the following occurs:
A broken limb or branch that is located on private property is generally not eligible. FEMA may consider funding removal when:
FEMA may consider trees to be hazardous and eligible if the Applicant can attribute the damage to the incident and if the tree's diameter is 6 inches or greater, measures at least 4.5 feet above ground level, and has one or more of the following characteristics:
In instances where a disaster-damaged tree has 50 percent or more of the root-ball exposed, the tree may be eligible for removal and the root-ball may be eligible for filling. Should FEMA determine that the tree is eligible for funding, the Applicant should note that:
A stump with 50 percent or more of the root-ball exposed may be eligible for removal and filling in of the root-ball hole. If grinding a stump in-place is less costly than extraction, grinding the stump in-place may be eligible.
Stump removal in areas with known or high potential for archaeological resources usually requires FEMA to further evaluate and consult with the State or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. If the Applicant discovers any potential archeological resources during stump removal, the Applicant must immediately cease work and notify FEMA.
The Applicant should note that when a stump is removed by contracted services, FEMA reimburses contracted costs charged on a per-stump basis if:
The Applicant must ensure the price for stump removal includes extraction, transport, disposal, and filling the root-ball hole.
In order for the vegetative debris to be found eligible, the Applicant must provide all requested documentation to support the eligibility claim of removing tree limbs, branches, stumps, or trees that are still in place. Requested documents may include but are not limited to:
Debris removal for limbs, trees, and stumps is typically charged based on a unit price for volume (cubic yards) or weight (tons). When a hazardous tree or stump is collected individually, contractors often charge a price per tree or stump based on its size.
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