Tree Removal Permit Checker for Northern Virginia and DC

Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in Northern Virginia?

Usually not, for one tree in your own yard. Fairfax County says no Virginia law or rule stops you from removing single trees on your own property. Local rules add a few big exceptions:

• Stream buffers. Land near a year-round stream is often a Resource Protection Area (RPA). Cutting there needs local approval, even if the tree is dead.
• Big clearing jobs. Clearing about 2,500 square feet or more needs a permit in most of Northern Virginia, and 5,000 square feet in Loudoun.
• Street trees. Trees along the road often belong to the state, the county, the city or the town.
• Named trees. Some places protect specimen or heritage trees by name.
• Historic districts. Some have their own review.
• Your HOA. It can say no even when the government says yes.
• Two strict places. The City of Fairfax and Washington, DC can need a permit for a single yard tree, even a dead one.

H3: Quick answers by place (table; sources are in each section below)

Which rules cover your home?

Your mailing address can fool you. Many homes with a Fairfax, Vienna, Herndon or Falls Church address are in Fairfax County, not inside the city or town. Check your locality’s website to see if you are inside the city or town limits before you use the checker.

How to measure your tree: measure around the trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground. To get the width across, divide by 3.14. Our free tree diameter calculator does the math for you.

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Fairfax County tree laws: do you need a permit?

Usually not, for one tree on your own lot. The county lists a few exceptions (Fairfax County: Tree Removal):

• Near a stream (RPA). Land within 100 feet of a year-round stream or a connected wetland is a Resource Protection Area. You can’t remove trees there without a waiver. For dead, dying, diseased or invasive trees, the waiver is free, you can apply yourself through the county’s PLUS system, and it takes about 5 business days. The county may ask for a letter from a Certified Arborist, and you may need to replant (Removing Vegetation in an RPA). Cutting without a waiver can mean restoring the area and civil penalties up to $5,000 a day (county RPA FAQs). Questions: Land Development Services, 703-222-0801.
• Not sure if you’re near a stream? Check the county’s Watershed and RPA map (it’s approximate), or call 703-324-1720 (county RPA FAQs).
• Clearing. Removing trees or disturbing other land on more than 2,500 square feet needs a county permit (Fairfax County: Tree Removal; Land Disturbance 101).
• Floodplains. Clearing even a small area in a floodplain needs a permit or a letter of permission (Reporting Land Development Concerns).
• Easements and required trees. Trees in a conservation easement, and trees that zoning requires on non-residential land, have removal limits. Call the Forest Conservation Branch, 703-222-0801 (Fairfax County: Tree Removal).
• Historic districts. The county has 13 Historic Overlay Districts. Its FAQ doesn’t say if tree removal needs review, so call the Architectural Review Board staff at 703-324-1380 before you cut. There is no review fee (Historic Overlay District FAQs).
• Street trees. Nearly all roads in the county are VDOT roads, and so are the trees along them. Cutting one needs a VDOT permit. Report a VDOT tree at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (Fairfax County: Roads; 24VAC30-151-30).

Want more detail? Read Do you need a permit for tree removal in Fairfax County?

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Does the City of Fairfax need a permit to remove a tree?

Often, yes. The City of Fairfax has the strictest yard-tree rule we found in Northern Virginia. You need a permit to remove a tree more than 5 inches across (measured 4.5 feet up) in these places (City: Urban Forestry):

• a Resource Protection Area (stream buffer)
• a home lot zoned RL, RM or RH that is larger than half an acre
• every other zoning district, including townhouse and planned developments

Dead trees count too, whatever the species or condition.

• Small home lots. On a single-family lot of half an acre or less, outside a stream buffer, a permit doesn’t seem to be needed. The City doesn’t say so outright, so confirm with City Zoning at 703-385-7830.
• Fee and timing. The fee is $25 for a single-family lot and $100 for other properties (City fees, FY2027). Review takes 7 to 10 calendar days. The City’s guide says replacement trees go in within 120 days, planted March to May or October to December (City permit guide, PDF).
• Emergencies. If a tree is an immediate threat to public safety or property, it may come down first. Then tell the Zoning Administrator and apply for the permit.
• Big projects. The whole City is a Chesapeake Bay management area. Disturbing more than 2,500 square feet needs a Tree Conservation Plan.
• City trees. For a tree on City land, email trees@fairfaxva.gov or use Fairfax City Resolve. If someone is in danger, call 911. Work in the street right-of-way needs a Public Works permit, 703-385-7810 (right-of-way permits).
• Old Town historic district. It isn’t clear if tree removal needs review there. Ask City Zoning, 703-385-7830.

Example: a maple measures 20 inches around, so it’s about 6.4 inches across. On a three-quarter-acre single-family lot zoned RL, it needs a permit, even if it’s dead. The fee is $25.

Questions: the City’s Urban Forest Manager, 703-385-7930. More on the City and County: Tree service in Fairfax, VA

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in the Town of Vienna?

Usually not, for one tree in your yard. We found no Town page that asks for a permit for a single private tree. The Town’s tree code (Chapter 17, in force since July 29, 2024) covers building projects, teardowns and additions that disturb 2,500 square feet or more (Town: Trees; tree guide 2026, PDF).

• Town trees. You can’t remove a Town-owned or right-of-way tree without permission. The Town prunes and waters these trees. Ask through SeeClickFix.
• Demolition. The Town Arborist reviews demolition permits, and tree fees may apply (Residential Projects).
• Near a stream. Check with the Town before you cut near a stream.
• Windover Heights. Its Board of Review looks at buildings, and its rules don’t mention trees. On a single-family lot, tree removal likely needs no board review, but confirm with Planning and Zoning at 703-255-6316 (Windover Heights Board of Review).

Questions: email the Town Arborist at Townarborist@viennava.gov. More: Tree removal in Vienna, VA

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in the Town of Herndon?

Not for a yard tree on most home lots. But any tree along a Town street needs a Town permit.

• Yard trees. The Town’s tree rules aim at building projects. Single-family home lots are exempt from the “no removal after a plan is filed” rule, and dead or fallen trees are exempt (Town Code §78-111.1).
• Street and Town trees. No one may prune, remove or disturb a tree in the street right-of-way or on Town land without a tree permit from the Town’s urban forester. Apply in writing at least 48 hours ahead; the Town can waive the wait in an emergency. You also need a right-of-way work permit (rightofway@herndon-va.gov). Breaking this rule is a misdemeanor (§26-23; §26-26; Town: Right-of-Way).
• Near a stream. The whole Town is in the Chesapeake Bay overlay. In the 100-foot RPA, removing plants needs the zoning administrator’s OK. Dead, diseased or dying trees may come out following the community forester’s practice (§78-60.4).
• Clearing. Disturbing 2,500 square feet or more needs a land disturbance permit (§26-48).
• Dead trees that threaten the public. The Town can order an owner to remove a dead or diseased tree that puts the public at risk, 15 days after notice (§26-24).
• Historic district. Landscaping is exempt from review unless it changes the district in a big way. For a large tree, ask the Town (§78-60.3).

More: Tree removal in Herndon, VA

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in the City of Falls Church?

Usually not, on a single-family lot. The City steps in for these cases (City: Tree Permits):

• Specimen Trees. City Council names these trees. A removal permit is given only if the tree is dying or dangerous. The City has a map (Specimen Tree Program).
• Stream buffers (RPA). You need a permit to remove any tree, shrub or plant in the 100-foot buffer. Call Public Works, 703-248-5350 (City: RPAs).
• Commercial and multifamily lots. Any tree removal needs a permit, and the tree must be replaced.
• Building projects. A grading plan for 2,500 square feet or more serves as the tree removal permit. New homes need 20% tree canopy within 10 years (Private Development).
• Street trees. The City owns the trees in its parks and along its streets. The street strip can run from 0 to more than 15 feet from the curb, so check your plat. The City or its contractors do this work. For a problem with a public tree, call 703-248-5350 (City: Urban Forestry).
• Fees. Not published. Ask the City Arborist, 703-248-5183.

More: Tree removal in Falls Church, VA

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Arlington?

Usually not. Arlington says no permit is needed to remove trees on private property in most cases (Arlington: Private Tree Care and Removal Permits). You do need one in these cases:

• Near a stream (RPA). Within 100 feet of a stream, you need permission from the Department of Environmental Services first, and you usually have to replant. Dead or dangerous trees get a faster review. Email rpareview@arlingtonva.us. The County has an RPA map (Arlington Tree FAQ).
• Local Historic Districts (like Maywood). A tree more than 15 inches across needs a permit from the Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board. You usually have to replant.
• Specimen trees. Trees on the County’s specimen list need a permit at any size. Removing a tree the County has designated can bring a civil penalty up to $2,500 per violation (Tree Preservation Ordinance).
• Building projects over 2,500 square feet. By-right projects need a tree plan, and tree removal stops while the permit is pending.
• Street trees. The County cares for trees on County land and along County roads. No one may remove or harm a tree on public land without County permission. Use the County’s Report a Problem form (“Fallen tree/limb”). VDOT and federal roads belong to those agencies (Arlington Tree FAQ).
• Dead trees. The County doesn’t make you remove a dead private tree unless it puts public property at unacceptable risk.

Questions: urbanforestry@arlingtonva.us.

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Alexandria?

Probably not, but the City doesn’t say so outright, so ask before you cut. The City doesn’t care for or advise on private trees. No City rule makes you care for or remove a dead tree on your own lot, unless it borders or is near public property (Alexandria: Urban Forestry).

• Near a stream (RPA). Alexandria has a 100-foot buffer on year-round streams and a 50-foot buffer on natural streams that don’t run all year. Plants come out only with City approval, for things like sight lines, paths and invasive plants. Digging or clearing in the buffer needs a Water Quality Impact Assessment. Breaking the rules can bring civil and criminal penalties plus restoration. Ask the City about dead trees in a buffer: 703-746-4014 (Alexandria: RPAs).
• City street trees. The City cares for about 20,000 street trees, usually in the strip between the curb and the sidewalk. You can’t prune, remove or plant a City tree without approval. The penalty is a fine up to $500, up to 6 months in jail, or both. Some HOAs own trees by the street, and the City Arborist can confirm who owns one. Ask through Alex311 (703-746-4311). If someone is in danger, call 911.
• Overhanging limbs. You may cut back limbs that hang over your property line, at your own cost, as long as you don’t harm the tree.
• Historic districts (Old and Historic Alexandria, Parker-Gray). It isn’t clear if tree removal needs review, and the design guidelines are being rewritten in 2026. Ask Preservation staff, 703-746-3833 (Historic Preservation).

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Loudoun County?

We found no Loudoun County permit for one tree in your yard. Loudoun doesn’t have Chesapeake Bay Act RPAs (Va. Code § 62.1-44.15:68), but it has its own stream buffers.

• Clearing. Removing plants, even tree stumps, counts as clearing. Clearing 5,000 square feet or more needs a grading permit. Less can need one if your lot has a sensitive area, like a stream buffer or a steep slope. Call Building and Development, 703-777-0220, option 4 (Loudoun: Land Disturbance).
• Stream buffers. The buffer is 300 feet along the Potomac, Goose Creek, Catoctin Creek and Bull Run, and 100 feet along other rivers and streams. Plants there must be kept as much as possible, though invasive plants may come out (zoning Chapter 6, PDF). We couldn’t find the rule for one dead tree in a buffer, so call Building and Development before you cut.
• Steep slopes. Slopes of 15% to 25% count as moderately steep, and over 25% as very steep. They can trigger a grading permit.
• Your HOA. The county tells owners to contact their HOA or property owners’ association.
• Street trees. Most roads are VDOT roads. Cutting a tree there needs a VDOT permit (1-800-FOR-ROAD).

Town of Leesburg

We found no Leesburg permit for a private yard tree yet. The Town’s Tree Commission voted in July 2024 to pursue a tree removal permit, and it was still on the agenda in January 2026, so check with the Town first. Any work in a Town right-of-way needs a Town permit, with a $100 application fee. Call Public Works, 703-771-2790 (right-of-way permits; Urban Forestry). In the Old and Historic District, ask Preservation staff, 703-771-2773.

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Prince William County?

The county’s own answer: “Generally, No. But in some circumstances, Yes.” (county arborist presentation, 2015, PDF). It is older, but it’s the clearest official homeowner answer we found. You may need permission in:

• a Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area (RPA)
• wetlands
• conservation areas set aside for stormwater credit
• areas protected by rezoning promises (proffers)
• buffers between different land uses

Near a stream. The RPA covers 100 feet from the bank of a year-round stream or nearby wetlands. Plants there generally can’t be removed. With Public Works approval, you can remove dead, dying or diseased trees and invasive plants, and open a limited water view if you replant. The county’s rule is simple: call Public Works before any cutting or clearing (Prince William: RPAs).

Street trees. Almost all road rights-of-way are VDOT’s. Use the County Mapper to check who owns a tree. The county doesn’t care for trees in easements.

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Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Washington, DC?

Yes, for any tree 40 inches around or more, even on private land. DC protects trees by how big the trunk is around, measured 4.5 feet up (DC Code § 8-651.02; DDOT tree permits (TOPS)).

• The permit itself is free. For a healthy Special Tree, you pay $55 for each inch around into the Tree Fund. Planting a new tree doesn’t replace the fee (DC Code § 8-651.04).
• Dead, dying or diseased trees still need a permit. An ISA Certified Arborist documents the tree, DDOT approves, and there is no Tree Fund fee. Need that arborist’s report? If a permit requires it, our ISA Certified Arborists can perform a tree risk assessment and write the report for a tree that may need to come down.
• Some species get a permit without the fee: tree of heaven, mulberry and Norway maple.
• Heritage Trees (100 inches or more) can come down only if a certified arborist finds the tree dead, dying, diseased or unsafe, if it’s one of those species, or if it’s moved and replanted in DC. If a moved tree dies within 3 years, that’s a violation (DC Code § 8-651.04a).
• Penalty. Removing a protected tree without a permit costs at least $300 for each inch around. Fees and fines start rising with inflation on July 1, 2029 (DC Code § 8-651.04).
• How to apply. Apply online through TOPS, with a site plan showing each tree’s place, species and size. DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division has 40 business days to issue the permit, so plan ahead.
• Emergencies. If a tree is an immediate, serious threat to people’s health and safety, DC law lets you remove it right away (DC Code § 8-651.06). The law doesn’t say if you must file afterward. Keep an arborist’s report and photos, and contact the Urban Forestry Division.
• Street trees. DDOT cares for about 170,000 public trees. Ask for pruning, removal or planting through 311. Anyone who plants, prunes or removes a street tree needs a Public Space Tree Permit first. Urban Forestry Division: 202-671-5133 (DDOT Urban Forestry; Public Space Tree Permit).
• Who the rules cover. Private land and the DC government. Federal land is not covered.
• Seeing “44 inches” online? That’s out of date. The Tree Preservation Enhancement Act lowered the Special Tree size from 44 to 40 inches on May 21, 2026, and DC’s permit site now says 40 (DC Code § 8-651.02; DDOT tree permits (TOPS)).
• Historic districts. We couldn’t confirm if tree removal needs review. Ask DC’s Historic Preservation Office.

Example: a healthy oak measures 60 inches around, about 19 inches across. That makes it a Special Tree. The Tree Fund fee is 60 x $55 = $3,300. Cutting it without a permit could cost at least 60 x $300 = $18,000.

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Can you cut down a tree near a stream?

Usually not without approval, even if the tree is dead. State rules set a 100-foot buffer along year-round streams in Chesapeake Bay areas. Plants there can come out only with local approval, and only for sight lines, access paths, dead, diseased or dying trees, noxious weeds, woodlot care or shoreline erosion control. Pruning a mature tree is preferred over removing it (9VAC25-830-140).

These places have RPAs: Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and Prince William (Va. Code § 62.1-44.15:68), plus towns inside Fairfax County, like Vienna and Herndon. Loudoun is not on the list, but it has its own stream buffers.

Read more: How the Chesapeake Bay Act affects the trees in your backyard

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Who owns the tree by the street?

Often, not you. In Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, most roads are VDOT roads. You need a VDOT permit to trim or cut trees in the right-of-way (24VAC30-151-30). Arlington, the cities and the bigger towns care for their own streets. Ask before you cut:

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Can your HOA stop you from cutting down a tree?

Yes. An HOA can limit tree removal even when the county doesn’t. Fairfax County and Loudoun both tell owners to check with their HOA first (Fairfax County: Tree Removal). Read your covenants and ask before you cut. Trees in a conservation easement, or plantings that zoning or proffers require, like screening buffers, can have limits too (Prince William, 2015, PDF). Live in Reston? See the Reston Association notes on our Reston tree removal page.

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What about trees near power lines?

Don’t cut a tree that touches a power line or hangs near one. Call your power company first. Virginia law bars work that brings people or equipment within 10 feet of an overhead high-voltage line until it’s made safe (Va. Code § 59.1-408). If Dominion is your power company, it will disconnect the service line to your house at no cost so a tree can come down. Storm debris is the owner’s job (Dominion: tree trimming and power lines). NOVEC serves parts of Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax counties.

We coordinate with Dominion or NOVEC when it’s needed. We check whether a tree is within the utility’s minimum approach distance, and depending on your project we can sometimes arrange for Dominion to remove part or all of a tree near its lines at no cost to you, subject to the conditions of your project.

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When does clearing land need a permit?

Removing trees counts as clearing (Va. Code § 62.1-44.15:55). These are the lines (see each section above for the source):

Planning a bigger job? See land clearing in Northern Virginia.

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Can you cut your neighbor’s tree?

You may cut branches and roots that cross onto your land. But you can be liable if you kill the tree or make it unsafe. Counties don’t settle neighbor tree disputes; they are civil matters (Prince William, 2015, PDF). Read more: Can you trim your neighbor’s overhanging tree? and How far you can prune a neighbor’s branches.