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Family gets massive tree removed from Groveland home for free

GROVELAND, Fla. — A Groveland family living without power since Hurricane Irma sent a large tree crashing down on their house finally got the tree removed Saturday.

Tree removal companies told the Howard family either that they couldn’t clear it, or that they would need close to $10,000 to pull it off.

Photos: Family gets tree from Groveland home for free

But Sunset State Tree Service and Ed's Crane Service removed the tree Saturday morning at no cost to the family.

The Howards had only a few seconds' heads-up as the crushing sounds of branches and shattering glass signaled that the tree in their front yard was taking out their house.

"I just need to wake up from this bad dream,” said Trinity Howard, the homeowner.

She said her husband Greg ran throughout the house to wake everyone up.

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None of the family of six were injured as the branches came crashing through the house.

For the past 12 days, the Howards have still lived there, tree and all.

Read: $180M allocated to state for Irma relief, but many unable to contact FEMA

"If it gets windy and you hear things shifting, it's just like okay guys, let's go outside or go to this side of the house,” said Howard.

Tree service estimates came close to $10,000 and Howard doesn’t have the money to be able to pay for it—so she’s spent hours on the phone, holding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Read: Floridians may qualify for food benefits after Irma

"Just to say they will contact us with an inspection date, which hasn't happened yet,” said Howard.

But after Channel 9’s Lauren Seabrook contacted the owner of Sun State Tree Service Friday, the company offered to remove it at no cost.

Watch: Groveland family received unexpected help with massive tree removal

Cierra Putman

Cierra Putman, WFTV.com

Cierra Putman flew south to join Eyewitness News in July 2016.