Northeast region
Tree removal and tree care in West Virginia
West Virginia's steep terrain makes tree work harder and storm damage worse. The June 2012 derecho knocked out power to most of the state, heavy wet snow from storms like Sandy in 2012 brought down trees in the mountains, and many homes sit below wooded slopes where a falling tree can reach the house. Emerald ash borer is widespread and has killed most untreated ash.
Homes in hollows and on hillsides often have tall oaks, tulip poplars and maples on the slope above them. On saturated slopes, trees can slide or tip downhill, and removing them usually means climbing and rigging each piece down rather than felling.
West Virginia's forests are among the most heavily forested in the country, so roads and power lines run through trees nearly everywhere. Storm cleanup often means clearing driveways and access roads before work on the house can start.
Reviewed and updated
Trees above the house
On many West Virginia lots, the biggest trees stand uphill from the house. A tree that would fall harmlessly on flat ground can reach the roof from the slope above, and saturated hillside soil can let it slide. Removal usually means a climber taking the tree down in pieces and lowering them by rope, which takes longer and costs more than felling, but avoids wood rolling into the house.
Poplars, oaks, maples, hemlocks and ash
- Tulip poplar
- Very tall; common above homes
- Red and white oak
- Large, long-lived; decay with age
- Sugar and red maple
- Common yard trees
- Eastern hemlock
- Hemlock woolly adelgid
- Ash
- Mostly dead from emerald ash borer
Storms, snow, slopes and ash borer
Derechos and thunderstorms
The June 2012 derecho caused statewide outages and tree damage.
Heavy wet snow
Mountain snow breaks crowns and drops trees on lines.
Steep slopes
Trees above homes fall farther and are harder to remove.
Emerald ash borer
Widespread; most untreated ash are dead.
West Virginia services by risk
For trees on slopes above homes.
After derechos and snow.
For ash killed by emerald ash borer.
For big trees uphill of the house.
West Virginia's storm calendar
Summer brings severe storms and the occasional derecho; winter brings heavy snow and ice in the mountains. Late fall is a good window for planned removals on slopes.
- Summer
- Severe storms and derechos
- Winter
- Heavy snow and ice in the mountains
- Late fall
- Good time for planned removals
Slope trees: keep or remove?
Healthy, upright, deep soil
- Usual choice
- Keep; trees hold slopes
New lean downhill
- Usual choice
- Assess promptly
Dead or decayed trunk
- Usual choice
- Remove
Cracked soil above roots
- Usual choice
- Assess promptly
West Virginia tree rules
- West Virginia has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots; cities such as Charleston and Morgantown manage street trees.
- The West Virginia Division of Forestry provides urban and community forestry guidance and tracks forest pests.
Sources (checked 2026-10-04)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
West Virginia tree questions
Why is tree removal harder on West Virginia hillsides?
Wood can't be felled downhill toward a house, and equipment can't reach steep slopes, so crews climb and lower each piece by rope.
Should I remove trees on the slope above my house?
Dead, leaning or decaying trees that can reach the house are worth removing; healthy trees help hold the slope.
Is emerald ash borer in West Virginia?
Yes, it's widespread, and most untreated ash have died. Dead ash become brittle quickly.
What happened in the June 2012 derecho?
A fast-moving line of severe storms knocked out power to most of the state, much of it from falling trees.
When is the best time for tree removal in West Virginia?
Late fall and winter for planned work, before snow and before summer storm season.
How much does tree removal cost in West Virginia?
Steep access and rigging add cost. See the tree removal cost guide.
Need tree help in West Virginia?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.