Arlington Tree Removal & Planting Rules

Land Use and Zoning Virginia 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Virginia

Arlington, Virginia requires property owners and contractors to follow local rules for tree removal, protection and new plantings. This guide summarizes who needs a permit, what protections exist, how enforcement works, and the practical steps to apply, appeal, or report a violation. For official program details and contacts see Arlington County Urban Forestry.Arlington County Urban Forestry[1]

When a Tree Permit Is Required

Permits are typically required for removing trees that are regulated by the county (for example, public-right-of-way trees, specimen or protected trees, or trees within land-disturbance areas). Whether a permit is needed depends on tree location, size, and the property’s zoning or development status.

Check the county’s urban forestry page for the most current permit guidance.

Standards for Planting and Replacement

Arlington’s programs encourage appropriate species selection, spacing, and soil conditions for new plantings on private and public property. Replacement or mitigation planting requirements may apply when regulated trees are removed.

  • Permit requirement and planting standards: not specified on the cited page; see county guidance.[1]
  • Native and pest-resistant species are recommended to improve urban forest resilience.
  • Timing and seasonal planting guidance: not specified on the cited page; check seasons and watering requirements with Urban Forestry.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of tree rules in Arlington is carried out by county departments responsible for urban forestry, code compliance, and land development. Typical enforcement actions include fines, stop-work or restoration orders, and required replacement planting or remediation. Exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are not provided on the primary county page cited below and are therefore not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration or replacement planting orders, and possible court action are used according to county procedures.
  • Enforcer and reporting: Arlington County Urban Forestry and Code Compliance offices handle investigations and complaints; see contact links.[1]
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact the enforcing office for appeal procedures.
If you think enforcement is incorrect, start by requesting the county’s written decision and appeal instructions.

Applications & Forms

Official application names, form numbers, fees, and submission portals for tree removal or planting permits are maintained by Arlington County. The cited county page summarizes program scope but does not publish a single form or fee table on that page, so specific form names and fees are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Practical Steps: Apply, Pay, Plant, or Report

  • Determine whether the tree is regulated by location or size; if unsure, contact Urban Forestry for an inspection request.[1]
  • Submit the required permit application and site documentation to the county’s development services or urban forestry office (forms and fees: not specified on the cited page).[1]
  • If a permit is required, pay fees and follow any mitigation or replacement planting conditions attached to approval.
  • If you observe illegal removal or tree damage, file a complaint with Arlington County Code Compliance or Urban Forestry immediately.[1]
Document tree condition with photos and dates before any removal work begins.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?
Not always; it depends on the tree’s location, size, and whether it’s classified as protected by Arlington County. Contact Urban Forestry to confirm.
Who inspects trees and enforces the rules?
Arlington County Urban Forestry and Code Compliance inspect and enforce rules; official contacts are on the county website.[1]
Are there replacement planting requirements?
Replacement or mitigation planting may be required when regulated trees are removed; specifics are determined during permit review.
How do I appeal a denial or enforcement action?
Appeal procedures and time limits are set by the county; request the written decision and follow the directions provided by the enforcing office.

How-To

  1. Contact Arlington County Urban Forestry to ask whether the tree is regulated and to request inspection.[1]
  2. If a permit is needed, obtain the application form from the county and assemble required site plans and photos.
  3. Submit the application and pay any fees as instructed by the county; schedule inspections as required.
  4. If approved, comply with any conditions (protection fencing, replacement planting). If denied, request the written decision and ask about appeal steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Many tree removals in Arlington require review or a permit; confirm with Urban Forestry first.[1]
  • Fines and specific fee schedules are not listed on the primary guidance page; contact the county for exact figures.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Arlington County Urban Forestry - Trees and permits (county guidance)

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