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.
Quick reference
| Situation | Who trims | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbor's branches over your yard | You may cut to the property line, at your expense | Fancher v. Fagella, 274 Va. 549 (2007), Supreme Court of Virginia, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Lines between utility poles | Appalachian Power (in its territory) | Appalachian Power, report a tree problem, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Service drop from pole to house | Property owner; ask APCo to disconnect first | Appalachian Power, report a tree problem, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Trees in VDOT right-of-way | Needs a VDOT single use permit | 24VAC30-151-30 (VDOT single use permits), Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| City of Roanoke street trees | City; others need a Sec. 33-2 permit | Roanoke City Code Sec. 33-2 (Municode), Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Roadside vegetation blocking drivers | Adjacent owner, if a local ordinance requires it | Code of Virginia § 15.2-2009.1, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
Your own trees
Trees on your land are yours to maintain. Deadwood over a neighbor's roof or a driveway is where problems start.
Neighbors
Virginia lets you trim encroaching branches and roots to the line at your own expense (Fancher v. Fagella). See neighbor and property line rules.
Power lines
Appalachian Power says it doesn't trim trees threatening your service drop; that is the owner's responsibility. It asks for a call at least two business days ahead so a crew can temporarily disconnect the line. Never trim near energized lines yourself.
Roads
VDOT requires a single use permit to trim or cut trees in its right-of-way. In the City of Roanoke, Sec. 33-2 covers trees on streets and city property. Salem's ordinance addresses clearance over sidewalks and streets.
Lake shorelines
At Smith Mountain Lake, pruning (not topping), and thinning or limbing up to 20 percent of the canopy or 14 feet, whichever is less, are allowed without a permit inside the project boundary; most removal needs a permit.
Getting it done safely
See tree trimming and pruning and the tree trimming cost guide.
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
- Fancher v. Fagella, 274 Va. 549 (2007), Supreme Court of Virginia (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- Appalachian Power, report a tree problem (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- 24VAC30-151-30 (VDOT single use permits) (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- VDOT, land use permits (Checked Oct 10, 2026)
- Roanoke City Code Sec. 33-2 (Municode) (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- Code of Virginia § 15.2-2009.1 (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
- Salem tree ordinance summary (Virginia Tech tree ordinance database) (Checked Oct 10, 2026)
- Smith Mountain Project shoreline FAQs (Checked Oct 11, 2026)
Common questions
Who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines in Virginia?
Appalachian Power trims along its pole-to-pole lines in its territory; the service drop to the house is the owner's responsibility.
Can I trim my neighbor's tree in Virginia?
You can cut encroaching branches and roots to the property line at your own expense.
Do I need a permit to trim trees by a state road?
Yes, inside VDOT right-of-way; 24VAC30-151-30 requires a single use permit.
Who trims street trees in Roanoke?
The city; anyone else needs a permit under City Code Sec. 33-2.