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.
County vs. city
Roanoke County surrounds, but does not include, the independent cities of Roanoke and Salem. Cave Spring, Hollins, Bonsack and Vinton's surroundings fall under the county; the town of Vinton has its own government. For the city, see City of Roanoke tree rules.
Single yard trees
We did not find a general county ordinance requiring a permit to remove a tree on a private residential lot. A third-party summary of County Code 30-92-5 describes a one-for-one replacement rule for trees 24 inches or larger removed during site-plan development, which single-family lots are generally exempt from. Confirm with county planning if you're developing.
Land disturbance thresholds
| Activity | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Disturbing 2,500 sq ft or more | Land disturbance permit | Roanoke County, land disturbance FAQ, Checked Oct 10, 2026 |
| Disturbing 10,000 sq ft or more | Engineered plan | Roanoke County, land disturbance FAQ, Checked Oct 10, 2026 |
| Under 10,000 sq ft | Agreement in lieu may be allowed at county discretion | Roanoke County, land disturbance FAQ, Checked Oct 10, 2026 |
Stump removal and grading on a clearing job count toward disturbance. See land clearing cost.
Trees along state roads
Most county roads are maintained by VDOT. VDOT's rules (24VAC30-151-30) require a single use permit for trimming or cutting any tree in the right-of-way.
Roadside vegetation
Virginia Code § 15.2-2009.1 lets localities, by ordinance, require owners next to a public right-of-way to remove trees or limbs that dangerously block a driver's view or could hit a vehicle.
Power lines
Appalachian Power trims pole-to-pole lines; owners handle the service drop. Report hazards at 800-956-4237.
Before digging
Virginia 811 needs three working days' notice before stump grinding or digging.
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 County, land disturbance FAQ (Checked Oct 10, 2026)
- Roanoke County, Erosion & Sediment Control (Checked Oct 10, 2026)
- CityRuleLookup summary of Roanoke County Code 30-92-5 (third-party) (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- 24VAC30-151-30 (VDOT single use permits) (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- VDOT, land use permits (Checked Oct 10, 2026)
- Code of Virginia § 15.2-2009.1 (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 Roanoke County?
We found no general county permit for a yard tree on a private residential lot; clearing 2,500 square feet or more needs a land disturbance permit.
Can I trim a tree in the VDOT right-of-way?
Not without a VDOT single use permit; 24VAC30-151-30 requires one for trimming or cutting trees in the right-of-way.
Is Cave Spring in Roanoke County?
Yes. Cave Spring and Hollins follow Roanoke County rules, not City of Roanoke rules.
Can the county make me cut roadside trees?
Virginia Code § 15.2-2009.1 lets localities require removal of vegetation that dangerously obstructs drivers, by ordinance.