Houston senior Margaret Johnson seeks assistance for removing a tree threatening her home amid storm season.
HOUSTON — A southeast Houston senior who has lived in her neighborhood for more than 30 years is reaching out for help after being unable to afford the removal of a potentially dangerous tree that threatens her home and her neighbor’s property.
Margaret Johnson contacted KHOU 11 after exhausting other options to address the leaning tree on her property, which she estimates could cost $600 to $800 to remove – money she doesn’t have while living on a fixed income with a disability.
“I can’t get any help… anyone to come and cut it down,” Johnson said. The tree has become her primary concern as storm season approaches. “The leaning this way and they leaning that way and as you can see it’s leaning towards my neighbors house as well as my house. And if a storm would come then it’s a big issue.”
The longtime resident has already attempted to get assistance through official channels. She contacted both the City of Houston and CenterPoint Energy seeking help with the tree removal, but both agencies determined they cannot provide assistance in her situation.
The City of Houston confirmed the trees are not located on city property after their chief urban forester checked the location. CenterPoint Energy inspected the property and found that while the tree is not touching their electric lines, it only affects third-party cables that the utility company does not maintain.
“Seniors have a hard time as it is, you know, struggling every day,” Johnson explained, highlighting the financial challenges many elderly residents face on fixed incomes.
For now, Johnson continues to wait and worry about potential storm damage.
“If I could get some help or somebody to come and help me relieve me of this problem, it would be a blessing for me,” she said.
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