Tree work rules in West Virginia

West Virginia has no tree expert or arborist license. The Division of Forestry's timbering license covers logging, not tree care.¹

West Virginia law says a municipality's requirements don't apply to an agricultural operation that was outside its limits when the law took effect, even after annexation, and agriculture there includes forestry. Residential yard tree rules aren't addressed.^2-3

If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.

In West Virginia the federal OSHA rule is the one that applies near power lines.⁴

West Virginia's one-call law doesn't name stumps. It covers moving or removing earth or any mass of material by any tool and excludes domestic gardening.⁵

Applying restricted or general use pesticides for hire needs West Virginia Department of Agriculture certification, working under a licensed pesticide application business. The category is 4 Ornamental and Turf.^6-8