Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8594 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Kim Eckert
Park Operations Division Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Tree and Debris Removal from Parkland

Downed Trees Dos &Don't

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Did you find storm damage in Fairfax parks? Please report damage but do not attempt to remove the tree on your own.

In most cases, if a tree falls on your property as a result of a natural disaster, the cost of removing the tree and any debris is your responsibility. This should be reported to your homeowner's insurance company, and they will provide guidance on what you should do. Do not assume the County of Fairfax will arrange for tree removal.

Even though the tree may have fallen from Park Authority property, you will need to remove all associated tree debris from the site. Placing any tree debris onto County property is prohibited.

In most cases, the Park Authority will not be responsible for any damages caused by fallen trees either live or dead.

A resident can file a claim at Property Damage and Injury Claim Reporting. An investigation will be completed to determine if the County of Fairfax is legally responsible. Filing a claim or investigation of a claim does not constitute an acceptance of any responsibility or obligation on behalf of the County of Fairfax.

If a tree or tree limb from Park Authority property is hanging over your property, the Park Authority does not trim or remove these. Removal of these limbs are your responsibility. Please contact the Park Authority at 703-324-8594, TTY 711 to report any dead trees or those that present a hazard. After hours, please leave a message.

No. Generally speaking, it is best practice to leave fallen trees where they lie, as long as they pose no risk to or infringement on private property, to benefit the local ecosystem and the natural and healthy evolution of the forest. Benefits of allowing fallen trees to remain where they are include:

  1. They provide essential habitat for a variety of organisms, such as insects, fungi, mosses, and lichens which are crucial for maintaining a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
  2. They offer shelter and nesting sites for birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
  3. Their decomposition releases nutrients back into the soil, helping to nourish plants and promote the growth of new vegetation.
  4. They serve as natural erosion control measures by stabilizing soil, reducing runoff and preventing the loss of valuable topsoil.
  5. By allowing downed trees to remain in place, we can help maintain the natural processes and disturbances that shape our local ecosystems.
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