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.
Hydrant Flushing Begins May 26, 2026
Starting Tuesday, May 26, Elkins Water Department employees will be opening fire hydrants to flush out city water lines. During this time, it will be normal to see unattended fire hydrants spraying water under pressure. Customers may experience temporary discoloration that should […]
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City Grant Helps AFNHA AmeriCorps Member Connect Community to Outdoor Recreation
Elkins, WV — May 18, 2026: A new Elkins resident visits the West Virginia Railroad Museum and the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center at the Darden Mill, where he learns about the developments that shaped our community into what it is today. A […]
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National Police Week May 10-16, 2026 and Peace Officers Memorial Day May 15, 2026 Proclamation
The City of Elkins will join communities across the nation in recognizing National Police Week from May 10–16, 2026, and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 2026, through a proclamation issued by Mayor Marco honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement […]
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Apraxia Awareness Day
Today, the Mayor was joined by the Valentine family to proclaim May 14th as Apraxia Awareness Day in Elkins. Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a very misunderstood and very challenging speech disorder that affects 1-in-1,000 children. Now going into its […]
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Introducing Elkins’ #America250 Mascots: Sammy and Lynyrd
Elkins, WV — May 11, 2026: Lynyrd, a handsome bald eagle, and Sammy, as in Uncle Sam, have already made their mark as Elkins’ #America250 mascots. So far, they’ve visited Davis & Elkins College, Ramps & Rails, Sutton (in honor of Elkins’ City […]
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Grant from City of Elkins Helps Fund Children’s Programs at Elkins-Randolph County Public Library
Elkins, WV — May 11, 2026: On a summer weekday morning inside the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library, a pair of small hands reaches for a picture book during Tot Time. Later that week, a young elementary school student beams as she learns […]
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