Rocky Mount is the county seat of Franklin County, south of Roanoke along U.S. 220. In-town lots have street trees and older yard trees; outside town, homes sit on wooded acreage and farmland where clearing and storm cleanup are common jobs.
Clearing land in Franklin County
Franklin County requires an erosion and sediment control land-disturbance permit when disturbance exceeds 10,000 square feet, or 3,000 square feet within 200 feet of surface water. At one acre or more, stormwater and Virginia DEQ permits come into play too. Removing a few yard trees usually does not trigger this, but clearing for a building site or pasture can. See land and lot clearing.
Trees near power lines
Appalachian Power handles tree work along its lines in the Rocky Mount area. Report a problem tree through its online form, or at 800-956-4237 for an immediate hazard.
Storm cleanup
Ice and wind storms bring down limbs and whole trees across the county. Photograph damage first if you may file a claim, stay clear of anything touching a line, and ask whether cleanup and debris hauling are in the quote.
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.
Before stump grinding or digging
Virginia 811 asks for at least three working days' notice, excluding weekends and holidays, before digging, so buried utilities can be marked.
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 clear trees in Franklin County?
Franklin County requires a land-disturbance permit above 10,000 square feet disturbed, or 3,000 square feet within 200 feet of surface water.
Who trims trees near power lines in Rocky Mount?
Appalachian Power handles its lines; report problems online or at 800-956-4237 for an immediate hazard.
Do you cover rural Franklin County?
Yes. Tell us how to reach the trees and whether a truck can get close.
What does tree removal cost?
Angi's 2026 national data puts typical removal at $200 to $2,000 depending on size and access.