Tree cutting in Norfolk, VA: Arrange the Right Crew

Establish who should handle the tree

Start with a photograph of the whole tree and its position relative to the street, sidewalk, house and overhead wires. If you cannot establish whether it belongs to you or the city, ask Urban Forestry before authorizing cuts. Norfolk accepts tree service requests at 757-664-6510 and lists 757-823-4035 for Parks and Urban Forestry inquiries. [1]

Norfolk requires a tree permit application when a contractor performs work close to any city tree. Ask the contractor whether its planned equipment route or work area brings it close to one, and contact the Parks and Forestry Office for guidance before starting. This rule does not establish a blanket permit requirement or exemption for all private-yard removals. [1]

Coordinate overhead-line work with Dominion

Call Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 if a limb touches a power line or your planned work requires approaching its lines. Dominion says untrained people should not trim near power lines and instructs homeowners to contact it when a contractor needs to work near them in Virginia. Treat fallen wires and nearby objects as energized, stay away and contact the utility. [1] [3]

Distinguish the service line running to your house from other overhead lines when explaining the job. Dominion says it does not remove live or dead trees on or near the service line, but it will disconnect that line at no cost so an owner or contractor can remove the tree or limbs. Ask Dominion what assistance your specific job needs before agreeing to a crew start time. [3]

For a temporary disconnection, Dominion requests notification several days ahead and lists dispatch between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. It charges no fee for a temporary disconnection, though guaranteed appointments require payment and advance scheduling. Your home will remain without power until reconnection. Agree on who will contact Dominion when the crew finishes, and plan for weather or emergency delays. [4]

Compare a defined scope before comparing prices

Ask each contractor to quote the same task. Identify the tree on a photograph, describe the problem and request an explanation of the proposed pruning or removal. If you want to retain the tree, ask for an assessment before authorizing removal. For pruning, have the contractor describe which branches it intends to cut and the purpose of those cuts.

Request separate descriptions for cutting, stump grinding, removal of grinding residue, hauling and repair of disturbed surfaces. Ask whether the contractor plans to leave any trunk sections or wood chips at your request. Compare exclusions as well as totals, and ask how the contractor will price a change after work begins.

Ask for evidence of insurance covering the proposed work and the name of the person supervising the crew. If someone offers an arborist credential, request its issuing organization and a way to verify it. Ask who handles utility coordination and any city-tree application. Do not accept a vague assurance that someone else will arrange these steps.

Specify hauling and utility debris cleanup

Require the private contractor to remove its generated yard waste. Norfolk's residential collection rules do not transfer that responsibility to the city. For household yard waste, the city limits branches to six inches in diameter and bundles to four feet long and eighteen inches in diameter. Those household limits are not a disposal plan for a hired removal crew. [2]

Ask a separate cleanup question if Dominion performs part of the work. Dominion removes pruning debris from maintenance line clearing in residential areas, but leaves larger limbs and trunks. It assigns storm debris and debris from owner-requested safety assistance to the property owner. Explain the utility's planned work to your private contractor so the hauling quote covers what remains. [3]

Prepare access and agree on weather contingencies

Walk the proposed equipment route with the contractor before work starts. Point out gates, fences, paving and areas you want protected. Ask where the crew will place cut wood and how it will move material out. Agree on access arrangements, pet containment and permission before anyone uses a neighbor's property.

The National Weather Service reported 1.62 inches of September 2026 precipitation for Norfolk, compared with a September normal of 5.40 inches and 6.64 inches in September 2025. Use the chart as background for discussing weather contingencies. Ask the contractor to inspect the actual equipment route and explain which conditions would cause it to postpone the job. [5]

Norfolk September rainfall: recent observations and normal

Choose the first contact for your tree job

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the tree, access route and nearby wires from a safe position.
2. Clarify tree ownership and ask about city involvement before authorizing cuts.
3. Describe the same pruning or removal scope to each quoting contractor.
4. Request insurance documentation and verify any offered arborist credential.
5. Assign responsibility for utility coordination and any city-tree application.
6. Specify stump work, hauling, cleanup and surface protection in writing.
7. Agree on equipment access, postponement conditions and payment terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my yard?

Norfolk's Urban Forestry page requires a tree permit application for contractor work close to any city tree. It does not establish the rule for every private-yard removal. Describe your tree and proposed work to Urban Forestry and ask which approvals apply before authorizing the job. [1]

Will Dominion remove a tree near my house's service line?

Dominion says it does not cut down live or dead trees on or near the service line. It will disconnect the line at no cost so you or your contractor can remove the tree or limbs. Contact Dominion to arrange assistance before scheduling the cutting. [3]

Can my contractor leave the branches for city pickup?

Norfolk requires contractors and lawn services to remove the yard waste they generate. Include removal in your contract. The city's household branch and bundle limits do not replace that contractor responsibility. [2]

How should I compare tree-work quotes?

Give each contractor the same tree photograph and requested outcome. Compare proposed cuts, equipment access, stump work, hauling and surface protection. Ask for a written list of exclusions and a process for approving extra charges before work starts.