Fairfax County Tree Trimming Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Fairfax County regulates tree removal and conservation through several overlapping provisions. Any land-disturbing activity on more than 2,500 square feet of a property — including tree removal — requires a permit from the county. Property owners should contact the Engineer of the Day at 703-324-2268 to determine whether their specific project triggers the permit requirement.

Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) are environmentally sensitive zones that protect water quality, filter pollutants, and prevent erosion. Removal of trees or any vegetation within an RPA is prohibited without a county-approved waiver. Property owners must request approval before removing any vegetation from an RPA.

The Tree Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 122) governs tree preservation during development. Site plans must provide minimum tree canopy percentages projected 20 years after development: 10% for commercial and industrial sites, 15% for residential at 8-20 units per acre, 20% for 4-8 units per acre, 25% for 2-4 units per acre, and 30% for 2 or fewer units per acre. The ordinance prioritizes preserving existing healthy trees over planting new ones.

The county does not generally have authority over hazardous trees on private property unless the tree threatens the public at large (such as public streets and sidewalks). Disputes between neighbors about trees are civil matters. However, if a tree on private property poses a risk to public safety, the Forest Conservation Branch can issue a health and safety code enforcement violation requiring the owner to remove the hazard.