Trees in the Verge (Road Yard): What Property Owners Need to Know
Here in Elkins, the green strip between the sidewalk and the street is known as the “verge” or road yard (please glance at the photo above in case it isn’t clear). While this land is within the public right-of-way, its day-to-day care is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner—just as is the case with sidewalks in front of residents’ homes.
This means that if you own or live next to a verge, you’re responsible for maintaining the trees, brush, grass, and any other growth in that space—regardless of who originally planted them. It’s especially important to address trees that are dead, leaning dangerously, blocking visibility, or affecting drainage.
Taking care of your property’s verge helps keep our sidewalks clear, our streets and homes safe, and our neighborhoods appealing for all of us. If a tree becomes hazardous and the property owner does not address the problem, the City of Elkins may need to step in to ensure the work is done. This page shares more details on maintaining the verge; for more information on the City’s rules, you can view the city code as well.
By looking after the verge beside your property, you play a key part in maintaining Elkins’ is a safe community for everyone.
Invasive species removal at Riverbend Park
Thanks to a West Virginia Division of Forestry Demonstration City grant, the Elkins Tree Board is replacing several invasive trees at Riverbend Park with native alternatives. The invasive Bradford pear, also known as the Callery pear, originated in China and is planted […]
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City Hall News: Week of October 18, 2026
The Elkins Sanitary Board meets Monday, October 19, at 10 a.m. Meeting agendas, packets, and minutes are available through the city’s Agenda Center. Utility and in-city Fire & Rescue Fee bills are due October 20. Third-quarter 2026 Business & Occupation tax returns […]
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Lead the Elkins Police Department
The City of Elkins is seeking an experienced law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is an opportunity to lead a small municipal police department while remaining close to the work. The Elkins police chief divides time […]
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Treasurer’s Department Returning to City Hall October 5
The Treasurer’s Department will be closed Thursday, October 1, while staff complete their move back into City Hall. The department’s customer service desk will reopen at City Hall, 401 Davis Avenue, on Monday, October 5. Municipal Court will also reopen at City […]
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How Elkins Monitors Your Drinking Water
The City of Elkins tests and monitors its drinking water on an ongoing basis as part of our commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water to our customers. Water treatment, monitoring, testing, and maintenance of the distribution system take place all year, […]
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Interactive Map for the 2026 Mountain State Forest Festival
Here is a tentative interactive map for the Mountain State Forest Festival, this year occurring September 26-October 4, 2025. This map is to be used as a guide for the carnival, parade routes, and parking/non-parking areas in and around the downtown Elkins […]
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