Climber high in a large spreading tree beside a brick house, with a ground worker below

Emergency Tree Cutting · Virginia

Emergency Tree Cutting in Fairfax County, VA

Emergency Tree Cutting in Fairfax County, VA: emergency tree cutting frees what a fallen tree has trapped or blocked: a car, a driveway, a fence, a doorway or a road. Locally, vDOT, not the county, owns most roadside trees: Unlike most counties in the region, Fairfax County doesn't maintain its roads; VDOT does.

Tree emergency? Call for assistance

By calling, you agree that your call may be recorded and routed to an independent local tree-service provider, who may call or text you back about your request. Calling is free and does not obligate you to hire anyone. See our Privacy Policy.

Free to call
Independent local providers
You decide

Tree problems in Fairfax County, VA that call for emergency tree cutting

1
VDOT, not the county, owns most roadside trees
Unlike most counties in the region, Fairfax County doesn't maintain its roads; VDOT does. That means trees in the right-of-way along most Fairfax streets are VDOT's responsibility. Report a dangerous or fallen roadside tree to VDOT at 800-367-7623. Incorporated towns and the City of Fairfax, which is independent of the county, have their own rules and permits.
2
What brings Fairfax trees down
Summer derechos and thunderstorms, heavy wet snow like January 2022's storm that toppled trees across the county, and ice cause most emergency calls. Tulip poplars, oaks and other tall hardwoods are common in older neighborhoods and can fail when roots have been damaged by construction or the soil is saturated. Dead ash killed by emerald ash borer are a growing hazard along yards and trails.
3
Dominion Energy and power lines
Most of Fairfax County is served by Dominion Energy, which clears vegetation around its lines. Never let an ordinary crew work near energized lines. Report a tree on a line to the utility and call 911 for sparks or fire.

What emergency tree cutting covers

Emergency tree cutting frees what a fallen tree has trapped or blocked: a car, a driveway, a fence, a doorway or a road.

How emergency tree cutting works, step by step · part of emergency tree removal

Describe the tree and what it's near, and you'll reach an independent provider serving Fairfax County, VA.

Call about a tree emergency

Safety first in Fairfax County, VA

Stay well away from any downed wire and anything touching it. Call 911 for injuries or lines down, then the utility.

What you can safely do

Look up and around for wires before going near a fallen tree.
Photograph and video everything for insurance before cutting.
Keep people, pets and vehicles clear of the trunk and root plate.

Leave these to professionals

Don't cut a trunk or limb that's bent under load yourself.
Don't stand on the downhill side of a trunk on a slope.
Don't try to free a car by cutting under the trunk resting on it.

Fairfax County, VA at a glance

Yard trees: No county permit for most single-tree removals
Permit trigger: Land disturbance over 2,500 sq ft
HOAs: Many restrict tree removal; check covenants
Road trees: Mostly VDOT: 800-367-7623
Hazard to the public: County can require removal via code enforcement

Local sources for Fairfax County, VA

What affects the price of emergency tree cutting in Fairfax County, VA

The usual drivers are size, access, what's under the tree and cleanup; see the full list for emergency tree cutting.

Emergency Tree Cutting in Fairfax County, VA: common questions

VDOT, not the county, owns most roadside trees: what does it mean for emergency tree cutting in Fairfax County, VA?

Unlike most counties in the region, Fairfax County doesn't maintain its roads; VDOT does. That means trees in the right-of-way along most Fairfax streets are VDOT's responsibility. Report a dangerous or fallen roadside tree to VDOT at 800-367-7623. Incorporated towns and the City of Fairfax, which is independent of the county, have their own rules and permits.

What brings Fairfax trees down: what does it mean for emergency tree cutting in Fairfax County, VA?

Summer derechos and thunderstorms, heavy wet snow like January 2022's storm that toppled trees across the county, and ice cause most emergency calls. Tulip poplars, oaks and other tall hardwoods are common in older neighborhoods and can fail when roots have been damaged by construction or the soil is saturated. Dead ash killed by emerald ash borer are a growing hazard along yards and trails.

Dominion Energy and power lines: what does it mean for emergency tree cutting in Fairfax County, VA?

Most of Fairfax County is served by Dominion Energy, which clears vegetation around its lines. Never let an ordinary crew work near energized lines. Report a tree on a line to the utility and call 911 for sparks or fire.

Yard trees: what it means for emergency tree cutting in Fairfax County, VA?

No county permit for most single-tree removals

Permit trigger: what it means for emergency tree cutting in Fairfax County, VA?

Land disturbance over 2,500 sq ft

Other tree services in Fairfax County, VA

Emergency Tree Cutting nearby

More about Fairfax County, VA: tree removal in Fairfax County, VA · all locations

Need emergency tree cutting in Fairfax County, VA?

Call to reach an independent tree-service provider that serves Fairfax County, VA. Calling is free and you decide whether to hire anyone.

Call for tree service