Tree Removal Service in Virginia Beach, VA

Smith's Tree Care provides ISA-certified, licensed, and insured tree removal service across Virginia Beach, VA. The team brings over 25 years of experience serving Hampton Roads.


Jobs range from routine removals to post-hurricane emergency response. Call (757) 969-1768 for a free estimate, or read reviews from Virginia Beach homeowners on the Smith's Tree Care page.

Virginia Beach is one of the most tree-demanding service areas on the East Coast. Properties near Kempsville, Great Neck, and the Bay Colony corridor often feature mature loblolly pines and live oaks. Salt air and hurricane-force winds place steady stress on these trees.


That coastal exposure can weaken a tree's strength long before you see any damage. Waterfront lots near the Chesapeake Bay, Back Bay, and the tidal creeks of Princess Anne face extra rules.


These properties may fall under special coastal tree protection rules. The rules can affect how and when trees near the water may be removed. Smith's Tree Care knows Hampton Roads terrain and can tell you if your property is affected.


The team can help clarify what applies before cutting.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Tree Removal in Virginia Beach?

No two removals are identical, so an honest estimate requires an on-site assessment. Cost factors typically include tree height, trunk diameter, and species. Proximity to structures or utility lines and overall tree condition also matter.


Lot access can raise costs in tight neighborhoods like Shadowlawn or near the resort district. Stump grinding, if added, is priced separately. Contact Smith's Tree Care at (757) 969-1768 for a free estimate. Senior and military discounts may apply.

Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Virginia Beach?

Most single-family homeowners on standard residential lots do not need a city permit. Permit rules do apply in several situations common to Virginia Beach. Properties near a bay, tidal creek, canal, or marsh may need special approval.


Removing live trees on these properties generally requires city approval. Street trees and trees on public land need permission from the city arborist. Large heritage trees and trees under HOA rules may carry added restrictions.


Contact Virginia Beach Planning at (757) 385-4621 with permit questions, or ask Smith's Tree Care to help guide the process.

Our Tree Removal Process

Smith's Tree Care follows a consistent, safety-first approach on every job.

  1. Free on-site estimate: A certified arborist evaluates the tree, identifies access points, and confirms any permit considerations.
  2. Job setup: The crew stages equipment, protects surrounding structures, and clears the work zone before cutting begins.
  3. Controlled removal: The tree is taken down in sections or as a whole unit based on size, lean, and proximity to structures or lines.
  4. Stump grinding: The stump is ground flush with the ground, eliminating regrowth, pest harborage, and tripping hazards.
  5. Full debris cleanup: Every log, branch, and chip is cleared before the crew leaves.

Emergency Tree Removal in Virginia Beach

Storm damage cannot wait. Smith's Tree Care offers 24/7 emergency tree removal for storm-damaged and hazardous trees. Virginia Beach sits squarely in the Atlantic hurricane corridor.


A nor'easter can drop a 60-foot pine across a roofline overnight. A leaning or split tree after a storm counts as an active hazard. The team responds quickly, plans safe removal sequencing, and works to protect nearby structures.


Call (757) 969-1768 right away for urgent situations.

Stump Grinding Add-On

Leaving a stump after removal invites termites, wood-boring beetles, and fungal decay. That decay can spread to healthy trees nearby. Stumps also create mowing obstacles and tripping hazards.


Smith's Tree Care offers stump grinding as a convenient add-on to any removal job. The grinder reduces the stump to ground level or below. Resulting chips can serve as mulch or be hauled away.


Ask about stump grinding when scheduling an estimate.


For ongoing care, see our tree trimming service and tree pruning service pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Smith's Tree Care Handle Emergency Tree Removal in Virginia Beach?

    Yes. Emergency tree removal service is available around the clock for storm-damaged, leaning, or structurally compromised trees throughout Virginia Beach. Call (757) 969-1768 as soon as a hazard is identified.

  • Will I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree on My Virginia Beach Property?

    Most homeowners on standard residential lots do not need a permit. Requirements typically apply to trees within Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas, public right-of-way trees, and trees covered by HOA rules or city site plans. Your arborist can identify whether your property falls into a regulated category.

  • Does Smith's Tree Care Offer Stump Grinding With Tree Removal?

    Yes. Stump grinding is available as an add-on to any removal job. It eliminates regrowth, removes a common pest harborage point, and leaves your yard clean and safe.

  • What Does Smith's Tree Care Consider When Quoting a Removal Job?

    Quote factors include tree height, trunk diameter, species, structural condition, proximity to buildings or power lines, and lot access. Every estimate is free and conducted on-site by a certified arborist.

  • Is Smith's Tree Care Licensed and Insured to Work in Virginia Beach?

    Yes. Smith's Tree Care holds ISA certification, is fully licensed, and carries insurance for all tree removal work, meeting Virginia's contractor licensing requirements.

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today

Smith's Tree Care brings over 25 years of Hampton Roads expertise to every removal job in Virginia Beach, VA. The crew is ISA-certified, fully licensed, and insured. Experience spans mature oak removal in Kempsville and Great Neck to emergency response along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline.


The team is equipped for the full range of coastal Virginia conditions. Call (757) 969-1768 or visit the Smith's Tree Care page to request a free estimate.