Moneta is an unincorporated community in southern Bedford County, near the northern side of Smith Mountain Lake. Properties range from older rural homes to lakefront houses and subdivisions, with mature hardwoods and pines on slopes running down to the water.
Shoreline trees need a permit
Appalachian Power manages the Smith Mountain Project shoreline. Within the project boundary, which follows the 800-foot contour, removing vegetation of half an inch or more in diameter generally needs a Vegetation Removal Permit. Pruning (not topping) is exempt, as is thinning or limbing up to 20 percent of the canopy or 14 feet, whichever is less. Native replanting can be required, and unpermitted removal can lead to a retroactive permit and mitigation. See our Smith Mountain Lake page for details, and check the current rules before any shoreline work.
Lakefront access
Steep lots, narrow driveways and docks make lakefront removals slower. Trees between the house and the water may need to be lowered in sections or lifted with a crane. Ask how debris will leave the property.
Storms over open water
Trees on the shoreline catch wind coming across the lake. After storms, check for new leans, hanging limbs and soil cracks at the base. Our storm prep guide lists what to look for.
Cost basics
Angi's 2026 national data puts typical tree removal at $200 to $2,000, averaging about $750, with trees up to 30 feet at $150 to $450, 30 to 60 feet at $450 to $1,200, 60 to 80 feet at $800 to $1,500 and over 80 feet at $1,000 to $2,000. These are national figures, not local quotes.
Trees near power lines
Do not trim near energized lines yourself. Appalachian Power says it trims along its pole-to-pole lines, while the service drop to your house is the owner's responsibility; it takes tree reports online and at 800-956-4237, and asks for two business days' notice to disconnect a service for tree work.
Tree services available here
Tree removal, hazard tree removal, crane-assisted removal, trimming and pruning, stump grinding, debris haul-away and emergency storm work. Call (540) 904-1819 or use the form.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to cut trees on the Smith Mountain Lake shoreline?
Within the project boundary (the 800-foot contour), removing vegetation of half an inch or more generally needs Appalachian Power's Vegetation Removal Permit.
Can I prune shoreline trees without a permit?
Pruning (not topping) is exempt, as is thinning or limbing up to 20 percent of the canopy or 14 feet, whichever is less; check current rules.
Is Moneta a town?
No. Moneta is an unincorporated community in Bedford County.
Why do lakefront removals cost more?
Steep lots, limited access and lowering wood over houses and docks take more time and sometimes a crane.