Rockingham County, VA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Rockingham County Code § 6C-11 requires developments subject to chapter 6C to retain or establish a riparian/stream buffer no less than fifty feet wide on each side of perennial or intermittent streams and contiguous nontidal wetlands, measured from the wetland edge or the top of the stream bank. Within twenty-five feet of the top of the bank, indigenous riparian vegetation must be preserved or allowed to regrow naturally; only dead, diseased or dying trees, and fallen trees blocking the channel or with undermined roots threatening to fall, may be removed, along with pruning of invasive shrub and vine species.

Beyond twenty-five feet from the bank but still within the buffer, additional removal is allowed: dead, diseased or dying trees may be taken out, silvicultural thinning may proceed on a professional forester's advice, and trees may be pruned or removed for limited sight lines provided any removed tree is replaced with equally effective vegetation, but trees six inches or greater in diameter at breast height must be preserved. Section 6C-11(e) allows limited exceptions in the buffer, including structures that predate the chapter, on-site stormwater facilities sited to minimize buffer impact, and passive recreation features such as trails, subject to those facilities being designed to protect water quality.