Tree care · Mid-Atlantic
Virginia stretches from the humid coast to the cooler Blue Ridge and the southwest mountains. Oaks, tulip poplars, red maples and pines fill the woods and the neighborhoods, so large trees stand close to many houses. Tropical storms near the coast and ice and snow inland are the main reasons trees come down.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Liriodendron tulipifera
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesQuercus alba
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus rubra
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer rubrum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus taeda
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesPinus virginiana
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesLiquidambar styraciflua
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesCornus florida
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus phellos
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus strobus
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPlatanus occidentalis
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesCercis canadensis
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Tropical storms and nor'easters can hit the coast from June to November. Summer thunderstorms bring strong wind statewide, and ice and snow damage trees inland from December to March.
Main storm months: June to November for tropical storms; December to March for ice and snow
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Late fall through late winter is a good window for most trees, while they are dormant and the ground is firm. Dead or broken limbs can come out at any time of year, and spring-flowering trees like dogwood and redbud are usually pruned right after they bloom.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Many cities and counties have tree ordinances, and some protect certain trees or require a permit before removal, so check with your city or county before work starts. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Virginia, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
No state tree license found
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Virginia. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. See the Virginia state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Virginia?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
Nearby states
For tree service owners
For most trees, late fall through late winter works well because the tree is dormant. Spring bloomers like dogwood and redbud are best pruned right after flowering. Dead or broken limbs can be taken out any time of year.
There is no single rule for the whole state. Some cities and counties protect certain trees or trees near streets, so check with your local planning office before you cut. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
We found no Virginia license made just for cutting or removing trees. Contractor licensing can apply to some work, and spraying or treating trees for hire needs state pesticide certification. Check the state rules page and ask for proof of insurance.
Stay away from leaning or split trees and anything touching a power line. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger. Then call an insured tree service.
Tall pines can drop heavy limbs or fall in strong wind, especially when the soil is soaked. Have a certified arborist look at any pine that leans, has dead branches or shows bark beetle signs. Ask your extension office which beetles are active in your area.
Ask an arborist or your extension office about emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, spotted lanternfly and spongy moth. Official maps change over time, so check your state's official pest pages for the current picture.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.