Tree Risk Assessment in Richmond, VA

All work on public trees must be done by the city or under a permit. A property owner who wants a city tree pruned or removed applies for a permit, reviewed and approved or denied by a City Arborist. Permitted work on city trees must be performed by an insured tree company, at the owner's expense.

Loblolly pine: wind and bark beetle risk on wooded lots Willow oak: lines the Fan and Monument Avenue area; huge crowns in small planting strips Tulip poplar: very tall; can shed big limbs in storms

Isabel (2003) showed that long, soaking wind events topple big trees even below hurricane strength.

Downbursts break limbs and uproot trees in saturated soil.

Street trees in small strips have limited root space and often lift sidewalks.

Row houses and narrow lots in the Fan and Church Hill mean many backyard removals are done by climbers and rigging, with wood carried out through alleys. Dominion Energy clears trees from its lines; street trees under lines are pruned to keep clearance.