Richmond regulates tree trimming for street trees and trees in public rights-of-way. Homeowners may trim branches overhanging their property under Virginia common law self-help rule but cannot harm the tree. Trimming of street trees requires a permit from the Department of Public Works Urban Forestry Division.
Richmond owns trees in the street right-of-way typically between sidewalk and curb. Any pruning, cutting, or topping of these street trees without a city permit is prohibited. For private trees, homeowners follow Virginia self-help common law for encroaching branches but can only trim to the property line and cannot cause tree death. Utility trimming around power lines is handled by Dominion Energy. The City Arborist manages public tree care.
Unpermitted work on street trees can result in fines up to 500 dollars plus tree replacement costs of 300 to 2,000 dollars per tree.
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See how Richmond's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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