Arlington, Virginia
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Arlington
In Arlington County, a homeowner can generally remove a tree on their own land. The exceptions are specific: trees in a Resource Protection Area, usually within 100 feet of a permanent stream; trees over 15 inches in a local historic district; and trees the County Board has designated as specimen or heritage trees.
- County
- Arlington (county government; no separate city)
- Tree rules
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance; Tree Preservation Ordinance; historic district review
- Key local rule
- Permit in Resource Protection Areas and for trees over 15 inches in local historic districts
- Electric utility
- Dominion Energy
- Main hazards
- Summer derechos, old oaks and tulip poplars, infill construction
Does your Arlington tree need a permit?
Work down the list. If none apply, the county generally does not regulate removal of a private tree.
- This week
The tree is within a Resource Protection Area, typically within 100 feet of a permanent stream
A permit is needed, and replacement is usually required.
- This week
The property is in a locally designated historic district and the tree is over 15 inches in diameter
A permit is needed.
- This week
The County Board has designated the tree as a specimen or heritage tree
It is protected from removal or injury.
- Plan it
You are building more than 2,500 square feet by right
A tree conservation and planting plan is required.
- Plan it
None of the above
Removal is the owner's decision.
Where the rules come from
Most of Arlington's tree rules flow from the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, which protects stream buffers called Resource Protection Areas and requires tree conservation plans on larger by-right projects. Historic district review adds a permit for trees over 15 inches.
Virginia gives counties limited authority over trees on private land, and the county itself describes its ability to control private tree removal as limited. Heritage, specimen, memorial and street trees on private land can be protected through a nomination and approval process.
Infill, canopy and old trees
Arlington's neighborhoods were largely built from the 1920s to the 1950s, and many still have the oaks, tulip poplars and beeches that grew up with them. Much of the county's tree loss now happens when older houses are replaced with larger ones, which is why the by-right conservation plan rule exists.
The June 2012 derecho knocked down trees across Arlington and the region and left many homes without power for days. Large tulip poplars and red oaks over houses were the usual failures.
Neighbors frequently object to large removals, but outside the protected categories the county cannot stop them. A tree risk assessment is the fair way to settle whether an old tree is truly a hazard.
Northern Virginia warning signs
Tulip poplars with dead tops
Tall, fast-growing trees prone to limb failure in summer storms.
Bacterial leaf scorch on oaks
Browning leaf edges in late summer on red and pin oaks, with slow decline.
Thinning ash
Emerald ash borer is widespread in the region.
Ivy climbing trunks
Hides defects and adds weight.
When a tree falls
Check for lines
If utility lines are involved, contact Dominion Energy first.
Private property
A tree that falls on private property is that owner's responsibility, regardless of where it came from.
Street trees
Report trees down on public land to the county.
Document
Photos for insurance.
Arlington settings
| Area | Typical trees | Rules to check |
|---|---|---|
| Stream valleys such as Four Mile Run and Donaldson Run | Tulip poplar, oak, beech, sycamore | Resource Protection Area |
| Historic districts such as Maywood | Mature oaks and maples | Historic review for trees over 15 inches |
| North Arlington | Large oaks and poplars | Infill construction plans |
| Urban corridors | Street trees | County trees in the right-of-way |
Arlington tree questions
Can my neighbor cut down a big tree near my house?
Usually yes, unless it falls in one of the protected categories. The county cannot stop most private removals.
How do I know if I'm in a Resource Protection Area?
The county maps them. They are typically within 100 feet of a permanent stream.
Who is responsible if a neighbor's tree falls in my yard?
The county says a tree that falls on private property is that property owner's responsibility. Insurance and negligence questions are separate.
Does Alexandria follow the same rules?
No. Alexandria is an independent city with its own code.
Washington area pages
- Washington, DCAcross the Potomac, with Special Tree permits.
- Virginia tree serviceStatewide context.
- Virginia BeachCoastal Virginia.
- Construction tree protectionKeeping trees alive through infill building.
- AnnapolisChesapeake Bay Critical Area rules within 1.
- Takoma ParkUrban forest trees from 24 inches around.
Reach a tree service in Arlington
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Arlington area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day