Roanoke Tree Removal is a local referral service: we pass your request to an independent, local tree crew. We are not a contractor, a law firm or a government office. This page is general information, not legal advice; for a dispute, talk to a Virginia attorney.
Trees on private property
Sec. 33-2 applies to trees "in the public streets or ways or in any of the public grounds or property of the city." It doesn't create a general permit for trees inside a private lot. Separate tree canopy rules in the zoning code apply when a lot goes through development plan review. If you're not sure where the property line or right-of-way is, check before cutting.
Trees in the street strip
The strip between sidewalk and street is usually city property. Under Sec. 33-2, anyone other than the city's own staff or agents needs a written permit from the city manager to cut, trim, prune or remove a tree there.
| Sec. 33-2 requirement | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Application | In writing, describing the work in detail | Roanoke City Code Sec. 33-2 (Municode), Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Fee | Set by city council | Roanoke City Code Sec. 33-2 (Municode), Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Security | Up to $1,000, by certified check or personal bond | Roanoke City Code Sec. 33-2 (Municode), Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Permit length | No more than one year | Roanoke City Code Sec. 33-2 (Municode), Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Climbing spurs | Not allowed on any live tree | Roanoke City Code Sec. 33-2 (Municode), Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
Who to call
Roanoke Parks and Recreation's Urban Forestry team takes tree concerns at 540-853-2000 or through the iRoanoke app. The Urban Forestry Coordinator is at 540-853-1994.
Planting a street tree
The city's Street Tree Planting Permit says trees on city property become city property, need the Urban Forester's written approval, and can't be removed without it. Plantings must be at least 25 feet from an intersection and 20 feet from another street tree, and the permit is valid 90 days.
Clearing and grading
The city's land disturbance process applies to disturbance of 2,500 square feet or more unless exempt. Its published fees include $209 for a single-family home within a subdivision and a $150 erosion and sediment control inspection fee for single-family homes outside one.
Trees near power lines
Appalachian Power trims along its pole-to-pole lines; the service drop to your house is the owner's job. Call 800-956-4237 at least two business days ahead to have the service temporarily disconnected.
Stump grinding and digging
Virginia 811 needs three working days' notice before digging.
Not in the city?
Salem, Vinton and Roanoke County have their own rules. See Roanoke County tree removal rules.
Get a tree looked at
Call (540) 904-1819 or use the form. Photos of the tree, the property line and anything underneath help the crew plan.
Sources
- Roanoke City Code Sec. 33-2 (Municode) (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- Roanoke Parks and Recreation, Urban Forestry (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- City of Roanoke, Street Tree Planting Permit (PDF) (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- City of Roanoke, Land Disturbance (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- Appalachian Power, report a tree problem (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- Virginia 811 homeowner FAQ (Checked Oct 10, 2026)
Common questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my yard in Roanoke?
City Code Sec. 33-2 covers trees on streets and city property, not a general permit for private yard trees; development plan review has separate canopy rules.
Who owns the tree between the sidewalk and the street?
That strip is usually city property; trees planted there become city property under the Street Tree Planting Permit.
Who do I call about a city tree in Roanoke?
Urban Forestry at 540-853-2000 or the iRoanoke app; the Urban Forestry Coordinator is at 540-853-1994.
Can tree crews use climbing spikes on city trees?
Not on live trees; Sec. 33-2 bars climbing irons or spurs on any live tree under a permit.