Stump Removal in Fairfax County, VA

Tree problems in Fairfax County, VA that call for stump removal

1. 1

   Hazardous trees on a neighbor's property

   Fairfax County has no authority to make a private owner remove a hazardous tree unless it threatens the public at large, such as a public street or sidewalk. In that case, you can file a complaint through the county's PLUS system; if the tree is found to be a public hazard, the county issues a code violation and requires the owner to remove it.

2. 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. 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.

4. 4

   Stream buffers: Resource Protection Areas

   Fairfax County's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance designates Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) along streams and wetlands, where clearing vegetation is restricted to protect water quality. Many backyards in older neighborhoods back onto an RPA. Removing a dead, diseased or dangerous tree there is generally allowed, but clearing healthy trees or grinding and regrading in the buffer can require county review and replanting.