Fairfax County Land Development Services has published guidance to help property owners, contractors, and design professionals understand how construction on one property can affect trees on an adjoining property. Excavation, grading, and equipment activity near property lines can damage root systems that often extend well beyond the trunk, creating long-term decline or failure of otherwise healthy trees. The guidance encourages early communication between neighbors, review of approved development plans, and use of certified arborists to evaluate potential impacts and recommend practical protection measures such as root zone barriers, adjusted grading limits, and monitoring during construction. This guidance was created to improve awareness of shared responsibility and to promote proactive steps that reduce conflict while protecting community tree canopy.

Industry professionals are encouraged to incorporate consideration of neighboring trees early in site planning and construction sequencing. Recommended practices include verifying limits of disturbance near property lines, documenting existing tree conditions, coordinating access agreements when protective measures are needed off-site, and consulting a qualified arborist when significant roots may be affected. These actions can help avoid damage, project delays, and post-construction claims.