Fairfax County, VA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Fairfax County, VA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Removal authority
- Board of Supervisors only
- Penalty
- $2,500 per violation
- Owner duty
- Report damage to Urban Forester
- Exemptions
- Utility work, emergencies, home landscaping
Summary
Once a tree in Fairfax County is designated heritage, memorial, specimen or street tree, it can only be removed with Board of Supervisors approval, and unauthorized removal draws a $2,500 civil penalty.
In the event that the Board of Supervisors permits the removal of such trees designated under this Chapter, the Board may require replacement of trees in accordance with the recommendation of the Urban Forester and in accordance with the replacement methodology identified in the Fairfax County Public Facilities Manual.(b)A property owner shall undertake reasonable efforts to preserve and protect any trees designated pursuant to this Chapter. Such efforts may also include care and maintenance in accordance with §§ 120-3-1(a) and (f).(c)A property owner shall immediately contact the Urban Forester to report the condition of any trees designated pursuant to this Chapter that appear to be damaged, diseased, or dying. (36-07-120.)
Full Breakdown
Section 120-4-1 gives the Board of Supervisors sole authority to permit removal of a designated heritage, memorial, specimen or street tree, and the Board can require replacement trees under the Urban Forester's recommendation and the Public Facilities Manual's replacement methodology. Owners must make reasonable efforts to preserve and protect designated trees and must immediately contact the Urban Forester if one appears damaged, diseased or dying. The rule applies only to unincorporated Fairfax County and exempts federal or state property, emergency work, utility line maintenance, and routine home landscaping.
Violations & Fines
Causing, contributing to, or permitting injury to, removal of, or destruction of a designated tree without Board authorization is a civil penalty of $2,500 for each violation under Section 120-6-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a heritage tree on my own property?
Does the tree-removal rule apply everywhere in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia landscaping rules overview
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