Tree Removal Guidelines

Cocquina Cluster is part of the Reston Association and must follow its landscaping and tree removal guidelines.

Design Review Approval Is Usually Required

Homeowners must obtain Design Review Board (DRB) approval before removing most trees, particularly healthy trees. In Reston, any live tree (deciduous or evergreen) with a trunk diameter of 4 inches or greater generally requires approval before removal.

Tree removal is considered an exterior property alteration, which must be reviewed by either Reston Association covenants staff or the Design Review Board.

Trees are an important part of the Cocquina Cluster landscape. Because some trees are located on cluster common property and others are on private homeowner lots, the approval process may differ.

📄 Link to Reston DRB Form

Step 1 – Determine Tree Location

Trees may be located on:

• Private homeowner property
• Cluster common property

Many trees within Cocquina Cluster are located in shared areas such as landscaping islands, parking areas, and common green space.

Homeowners may not remove or trim trees located on cluster property without Board approval.

Step 2 – Contact the Appropriate Party

Cluster Property Trees

If the tree is located in a cluster common area, contact:

Elizabeth Gilmore – Treasurer
📞 703-860-4889

Elizabeth coordinates tree inspections and removal requests with the cluster’s tree contractor.

You may also email the board:

cocquinaclusterboard@cocquinacluster.com

Trees on Private Property

If the tree is located on your private lot, you must apply to the Reston Association Design Review Board (DRB) before removing most trees.

In Reston, removal of live trees larger than approximately 4 inches in trunk diameter typically requires approval.

Step 3 – Submit Information

When requesting evaluation of a tree, please include:

• Your name and address
• Photos of the tree
• A brief description of the concern (dead, leaning, damage risk, etc.)
• The approximate location of the tree

Providing this information helps the Board evaluate the situation more quickly.

Step 4 – Approval Review

The Cluster Board will determine:

• Whether the tree is on cluster property
• Whether the tree should be inspected or removed
• Whether Reston Association approval is required

Homeowners should not begin tree removal work until approval has been confirmed.

Step 5 – Tree Removal Coordination

If removal is approved for a cluster tree, work will be coordinated by the Cluster Treasurer

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