Roanoke City / Storm tree safety

Storm-damaged tree in Roanoke City: a safe first call

In Roanoke City, a wire hazard, a street-strip tree and private-yard cleanup follow different paths. Keep people clear and decide who controls the site before paying for removal.

Start with four safety checks ↗

A safe decision sequence

Four checks before
tree cleanup.

Do not approach a damaged tree, wire or unstable structure to follow this guide. Call emergency services when people are at risk.

Treat power-line contact as urgent

Appalachian Power says never go near or touch a power line and asks people to report a fallen tree on a line immediately to its Customer Operations Center at 800-956-4237. Call 911 for imminent danger. For a tree near a line but not yet fallen, its forestry form is for non-emergency pole-to-pole line concerns; it says to call before scheduling work near a service drop.

Check city tree ownership

Roanoke City Urban Forestry accepts tree concerns at (540) 853-2000 or through the iRoanoke app. A tree in the strip between sidewalk and street may be on City property; do not assume you can hire a private crew to remove it. This guide covers the City, not Roanoke County.

Use the appropriate City reporting route

Roanoke City’s service-request page handles non-emergency street and sidewalk issues during business hours. For a time-sensitive issue needing immediate response, it lists the 911 Communications Center non-emergency line at (540) 853-2411, staffed around the clock. Call 911 if life or safety is in immediate danger.

Document damage before requesting a private quote

From a safe location, photograph the tree, affected areas and access route. Ask your insurer what records it needs; coverage varies. When utility and public-property questions are settled, get written contractor scope for rigging, structure protection, hauling, stump work, access and any storm surcharge. No general cost calculator can price a hazardous scene.

A common safety question

Who handles a tree between my sidewalk and the road?

It may be a City tree. Roanoke City Urban Forestry takes tree concerns at (540) 853-2000 and through iRoanoke. First verify ownership and City process; a quote from a private contractor does not establish permission to cut. For a wire hazard, contact the electric utility immediately instead.

Who to call

Use the right route.

Wire hazard: Appalachian Power 800-956-4237 if it is the serving utility. City tree concern: (540) 853-2000. Time-sensitive City issue: (540) 853-2411; immediate danger: 911.

Sources and limits

Check the official safety guidance.

Sources reviewed September 25, 2026. Confirm utility service and current local instructions for the exact address. This is information, not emergency dispatch or an offer of 24/7 tree service.

Check the local permit guide ↗

Compare stump-grinding scope after the scene is safe ↗

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