Local Contractor Steps In to Help Chesterfield Couple
TL;DR: A Chesterfield contractor volunteered his services at no cost to help a retired couple after a policy change left them struggling with overgrowth from a VDOT right-of-way encroaching on their property.
Quick facts
- Who: Retired couple (the Greens) and contractor Steve Wilkerson of S&W Universal Services
- What: Contractor volunteers to remove vegetation overgrowth from VDOT right-of-way extending onto couple's property after media coverage prompted community assistance
- When: June 2026 (assistance provided after June 18 news report)
- Where: Off Courthouse Road, Chesterfield County, Virginia
The story
A Chesterfield County couple faced months of frustration after a policy change left them unable to address overgrowth from state-maintained property extending into their yard. VDOT, which had trimmed the vegetation from the right-of-way adjacent to their home off Courthouse Road for years, stopped the service under new management. When the couple, including a disabled veteran, protested that they could not afford private contractors to handle the work and did not believe it was their responsibility, VDOT stood firm, stating that it does not prune or trim trees in rights-of-way to prevent limbs from extending over property lines.
After CBS 6 aired a report about the couple's frustration in mid-June, the story caught the attention of a local business owner. Steve Wilkerson, owner of S&W Universal Services, was tagged in a social media post about the situation. Rather than passing by, Wilkerson decided to step in and help at no charge to the homeowners. His crew removed tree limbs hanging over the property line and treated the fence line to prevent regrowth, resolving an issue that had caused the couple significant stress.
The couple's gratitude was evident. Mrs. Green said the assistance left her spiritually uplifted after months of feeling that their concerns did not matter. Wilkerson noted that he could see how much the situation was stressing them out, motivating his decision to volunteer. The incident illustrates a broader challenge: when gaps emerge between what government agencies provide and what residents need, community members and local businesses sometimes fill the void through generosity and goodwill.
The Greens' experience raises questions about the balance between property rights and government maintenance policies. While VDOT's position is that homeowners are responsible for vegetation on their side of the property line, the agency's previous practice of trimming back encroaching growth had created a different expectation. The policy shift, attributed to new management, left the couple without recourse and unable to afford a solution until a contractor chose to help voluntarily.
Key players
- Steve Wilkerson: Owner of S&W Universal Services; contractor who volunteered to clear overgrowth at no cost
- The Greens: Retired couple whose property was affected by overgrowth from VDOT right-of-way
- Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT): State agency that changed policy to stop trimming vegetation in rights-of-way that extends over property lines
- CBS 6 (WTVR): News outlet that covered the couple's initial complaint, prompting community response
The case for
Community businesses stepping in to help neighbors addresses real gaps in public services and demonstrates the civic spirit that strengthens local ties. When government agencies face budget constraints or policy changes that leave residents in difficult situations, voluntary assistance from contractors and community members can provide solutions that might otherwise be unaffordable. This approach builds trust between local businesses and residents, creating goodwill that benefits everyone.
The case against
Relying on voluntary contractor assistance masks systemic problems rather than solving them. Not all residents will be as fortunate as the Greens in attracting media coverage and a generous local business owner. A patchwork of informal help based on chance and charity is not a reliable solution and leaves vulnerable residents without recourse. VDOT's policy change, if applied county-wide, may leave many homeowners in similar situations with no way to address vegetation encroachment without paying out-of-pocket.
Why it matters: The situation highlights both the strengths and limits of informal community support when government services shift. While the Greens received help, the underlying policy question remains: should residents be responsible for vegetation on adjacent public rights-of-way, and what happens to those who cannot afford private solutions? The story underscores the importance of clear, fair policies and accessible recourse when residents and government agencies disagree on maintenance responsibilities.
Places
Development timeline
- 2025-10-01VDOT evaluates right-of-way maintenance policy: VDOT staff conducted fall 2025 evaluation; new management informed couple that trimming service would stop [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/vdot-right-of-way-overgrowth-june-18-2026)
- 2026-06-18CBS 6 reports on couple's VDOT dispute: WTVR news covers the Greens' frustration with VDOT's policy change; story draws community attention [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/vdot-right-of-way-overgrowth-june-18-2026)
- 2026-06-23Local contractor volunteers assistance: Steve Wilkerson, owner of S&W Universal Services, completes removal of overgrowth and fence line treatment at no cost after learning of couple's situation through media and social media [[source]](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/contractor-helps-couple-june-23-2026)
Related links
- Chesterfield County Assistance Programs and Resources
- Chesterfield County Official Website
- Virginia Department of Transportation
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 Local →
Sources
- Chesterfield couple frustrated after VDOT stops trimming roadside overgrowth in their yard
- Local Contractor Steps In to Help Chesterfield Couple
- Chesterfield County Assistance Programs and Resources
- Chesterfield County Official Website