Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) owns the sidewalks, the curbs, and the grassy areas in between. VDOT relies on residents to keep the sidewalks free of mud, snow, bushes, and low-hanging tree branches.

If a neighbor has had shrubbery or branches obstructing the sidewalk for more than a reasonable period of time, please call VDOT at 703-383-8368. They will send someone out to notify the resident of the problem. If nothing happens in 10 days, VDOT will either send the resident a certified letter or leave a flyer in the door. If the resident continues to ignore the problem, VDOT will take more drastic measures.

Please, keep the sidewalks clear and let VDOT spend our tax dollars on more important matters.

If you see a broken sidewalk, give VDOT a call at 703-383-8368. VDOT will take care of inspecting the problem and fixing the sidewalk. Sidewalks often are broken by roots from trees planted on VDOT property between the sidewalk and the curb. Repairing the sidewalk will require cutting the tree roots, which will damage the tree. VDOT will offer to remove the tree, or leave it and let the resident assume the risk of the tree dying and falling on their property.

VDOT discourages residents planting trees on the utility strip between the sidewalk and the curb. Hardwood trees are not allowed because of the damage they do to sidewalks and underground utilities. If you want to plant an ornamental tree on VDOT property, you need to try to get a permit from VDOT that, if granted, will require the owner to maintain the tree.

In addition to sidewalk problems, trees planted on the utility strip often are a hazard to power lines. Part of your utility bill goes to pay for trimming these trees around the power lines, resulting in the familiar V-shaped or one-sided trees that line our streets. Always have a professional work on any tree with branches that could come in contact with power lines.