Tree removed from Jacksonville elderly woman's home, free of charge

A 7.5-ton tree that came crashing down on an elderly woman’s home in West Jacksonville was removed Saturday by a crew of good Samaritans.

Several people reached out to Action News Jax and offered to help when our story aired Friday.

The tree toppled over onto 92-year-old Eva Johnson's home on Coleman Court during Hurricane Irma. Nearly two weeks after the storm, a tree-trimming company stepped up to the plate and removed it.

Johnny Bass, who owns the tree trimming company, said one of his employees saw our story and brought it to his attention.

He rounded up five other people, including two teenagers, to get the job done free of charge.

On average, Bass said a job like this would cost around $1,200. Bass said he knew they had to help Johnson.

“How can you not help her? She is such a sweetheart; 92 and just a doll,” Bass said.

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Piece by piece, the pecan tree was chopped up until it was left in a heaping pile at the end of Johnson’s driveway.

Johnson was not home at the time, but her daughter was there. She called the crew a blessing and said she was extremely grateful.

Bass said they were just doing what was right.

“Nobody prepares for a natural disaster,” Bass said. “They have no way of getting help, so that’s where we come in. We come and help.”

The pressure of the tree caused damage to the roof. It also pierced through, making a hole in the ceiling. Eventually, that will need to be patched up.

Cox Media Group