Tree care · Mid-Atlantic
West Virginia is a hilly, forested state with cold mountain winters and warm, humid valleys. Oaks, hickories, maples, tulip poplars and hemlocks grow on steep hillsides, often right above homes and roads. Wind, ice, snow and heavy rain make hillside removals and storm cleanup common work.
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.
Quercus alba
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus rubra
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesQuercus montana
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAcer saccharum
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAcer rubrum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesLiriodendron tulipifera
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPrunus serotina
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesTsuga canadensis
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus virginiana
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesCarya ovata
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesFagus grandifolia
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus strobus
Storm risk medium
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.
Summer thunderstorms can bring damaging wind from June to August, and derechos have hit the region before. Heavy snow and ice in the mountains can break limbs from December to March, and heavy rain can loosen soil on slopes.
Main storm months: June to August for wind storms; December to March for snow and ice
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 suits most trees, but icy slopes can make winter work harder for crews. Dead or broken limbs should come out at any time of year, and pruning on steep ground is best left to insured pros.
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 West 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 West Virginia. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. See the West 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 West Virginia?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
Nearby states
For tree service owners
Late fall through late winter works well for most trees, while they are dormant. Dead or broken limbs can come out any time. On steep or icy ground, ask a pro how they will do the work safely.
Rules are set mostly by cities and towns, and some have tree ordinances. Check with your city or county before you cut. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
We found no state license made just for tree trimming or removal, and the state contractor law does not clearly cover tree work. Ask the Contractor Licensing Board how your job is treated, and ask for proof of insurance.
It can be. Wet soil, shallow roots and steep ground make large trees easier to fall. Have a certified arborist look at any leaning, split or dead tree above a home or driveway.
Ask an arborist or your extension office about emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, spongy moth and beech leaf disease. Official maps change over time, so check your state's official pest pages.
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.
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.