The City of Roanoke has a long-established urban canopy: tree-lined streets in older neighborhoods, wooded slopes running up Mill Mountain, and greenways along the Roanoke River and its tributaries. Most of the tree work in the city happens on tight residential lots, where big trees stand a few feet from houses, garages and neighbors.
City-owned street trees
Roanoke's city code (Sec. 33-2) makes it unlawful for anyone other than the city to cut, trim, prune or remove trees in public streets, ways, grounds or other city property without a permit from the city, which involves a written application, a fee, and security of up to $1,000. Trees between the sidewalk and the curb may be city property. Planting street trees also requires approval from the city's Urban Forester. If a tree near the street needs work, contact Roanoke Urban Forestry first.
Private-lot trees
That permit section covers city property, not private yards. Tree canopy and landscaping rules in the zoning code apply when a lot goes through development plan review, for example when building or expanding a house. If your tree was required by an approved plan, check before removing it.
Working on steep, tight lots
Many city lots slope sharply and have limited access, which means sectional removals with rigging, compact equipment, and sometimes cranes. Be ready to discuss where the crew can set up, chip and stage wood, and whether a neighbor's driveway is needed.
Alleys and overhead lines
Older neighborhoods often have overhead utility lines in alleys or along streets. Trees touching lines need the utility involved.
Common trees and problems in the city
Roanoke's older neighborhoods carry large oaks, maples, tulip poplars and, in many yards, ash trees. Ash trees in Virginia are vulnerable to emerald ash borer, and once an ash dies it becomes brittle and riskier to climb, so dead or declining ash near a house should be addressed promptly. Oaks are best pruned in the dormant season; see our ash and oak disease guide. For budgeting, see cost by tree size.
Neighbor trees
On tight city lots, a neighbor's tree often hangs over your roof or yard. A written assessment can help start a calm conversation. If a neighbor's tree falls on your house, see insurance claims for fallen trees.
Getting work scheduled
For city lots, mention on-street parking limits, alley access and overhead lines. If the tree is near the curb, check with Roanoke Urban Forestry first.
Greenways, creeks and wet soils
Homes backing onto the Roanoke River, Tinker Creek, Mudlick Creek and other city waterways often have sycamores, silver maples and box elders at the bottom of the yard. These grow fast in moist soil and can develop heavy, spreading limbs. When the ground is saturated after long rains, large trees on wet ground are more prone to uprooting in wind. If a big streamside tree leans toward the house, have it looked at before storm season rather than after.
Services in Roanoke
Removals, pruning, stump grinding, storm response and risk assessments. Use our free quote form.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property?
In the City of Roanoke, the city permit in Sec. 33-2 covers trees on city property and rights-of-way, not private yards. Other localities have their own rules; check with your town or county, and with VDOT for state road rights-of-way.
Does homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, if a tree hits an insured structure, standard policies generally cover removal up to about $500 to $1,000, depending on the insurer and policy. Check your own policy.
Should I call 811 before stump grinding?
Yes, utility lines should be marked before grinding below grade. Your contractor usually places the request.