Virginia Beach, VA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Tree trimming in Virginia Beach involves multiple layers of regulation depending on where the tree is located. Trees in the public right-of-way (typically 10-15 feet from the curb, varying by street) are generally city property and subject to management by the Virginia Beach Landscape Management Division within Parks and Recreation. Property owners cannot trim, top, or remove street trees without authorization; contractors doing work in the right-of-way require permits. Report damaged or overgrown street trees to the city at (757) 385-1470. On private property within the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Resource Protection Area (RPA) — typically 100 feet from tidal waters, wetlands, and tributaries — tree removal and significant trimming are restricted. RPA buffers require vegetation retention for water quality protection, and only selective pruning, dead limb removal, and view corridor trimming (not exceeding 50% of canopy) are permitted without Chesapeake Bay Exception Review. On private property outside the RPA, tree trimming is generally unregulated for single-family homes, subject to: subdivision tree preservation requirements where applicable (common in newer developments like Ashville Park or Red Mill); site plan tree preservation conditions on multi-family and commercial properties; HOA covenants, which may require architectural committee approval; easement restrictions. Virginia common law allows property owners to trim branches of neighbors' trees that overhang their property, but only to the property line and without damaging the tree's overall health. Liability for damage to the neighbor's tree caused by negligent trimming rests with the trimmer. Tree trimming near overhead power lines is handled by Dominion Energy — property owners should not attempt trimming within 10 feet of energized lines. Call Dominion at 1-866-366-4357 to request utility vegetation management. Always call 811 (Miss Utility of Virginia) at least 3 business days before any digging for stump grinding or root work. Licensed arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) are recommended. Hurricane-damaged trees should be assessed for hazard; emergency removal after named storms often has expedited procedures.