Virginia lacks native cacti in its eastern climate, so no specific “chopping down a cactus” law exists there—such claims likely confuse it with arid states like Arizona. Instead, Virginia enforces strict property laws against damaging trees, shrubs, or plants on another’s land, which could lead to jail for willful destruction.
Plant Destruction Ban
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-140, cutting, injuring, or destroying trees, shrubs, vines, or plants on someone else’s property without permission is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine. This covers any vegetation, including if a rare imported cactus were involved on private land.
Timber Cutting Penalties
For timber specifically, § 55.1-2835 triples damages against unauthorized cutters acting without a bona fide claim of right, recoverable via summary proceedings. Willful trespass with damage escalates to potential felony larceny charges if value exceeds thresholds.
Enforcement Notes
These laws protect private property vigorously, with courts upholding treble damages and criminal penalties for intentional acts. Local ordinances may add tree removal restrictions on public or regulated land, but violations rarely result in jail unless aggravated.
SOURCE
[1](https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/9ykjs5/til_cutting_down_a_cactus_in_arizona_has_a/)
[2](https://wheninyourstate.com/arizona/you-can-go-to-prison-for-25-years-for-cutting-down-a-cactus-in-arizona/)
[3](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title55.1/chapter28/article8/)
[4](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter5/section18.2-140/)
[5](https://law.justia.com/codes/virginia/title-18-2/chapter-5/section-18-2-141/)
