Henrico County, VA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Routine pruning
- Exempt from tree-protection standards
- Single-family lots
- Exempt from landscaping division
- Storm-damaged trees
- Removable with documentation
- RPA buffer
- Only selective sight-line trimming
- Code chapter
- Henrico Zoning Ch. 24
Summary
Ordinary trimming of your own trees is not regulated in Henrico. Routine and seasonal pruning is expressly exempt from the county tree-protection standards, and single-family homes on individual lots are exempt from the landscaping division entirely.
In addition to the exemptions in subsection 1 above, the following are exempt from the standards of Sec. 24-5313, Tree Protection: (a) Routine or seasonal pruning in accordance with Sec. 24-5306, Maintenance...
Full Breakdown
Henrico's tree rules live in Chapter 24 (Zoning). Section 24-5302.B exempts single-family detached and duplex homes on an individual lot from all landscaping-division standards, and separately exempts routine or seasonal pruning, removal of dead or storm-damaged trees, and pruning for driveway or intersection sight lines from the tree-protection standards of Sec. 24-5313. Inside a Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area buffer, only selective removal for reasonable sight lines, paths, and woodlot management is allowed, and the forested character must be maintained. Everyday pruning of a homeowner's yard trees needs no county permit.
Violations & Fines
No penalty for routine pruning of your own yard trees. Unauthorized cutting of a protected tree on regulated development is a misdemeanor and can require court-ordered replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to prune my trees?
Can I trim trees near a stream buffer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henrico County
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