My question is simply, "is it illegal to cut down or destroy a healthy dogwood tree in the state of Virginia?" It is officially the State tree and flower. That is why I want to know.

Your land your tree. A bald eagle is understood but a tree? My sister lives in virginia for 30 plus years, I would have heard about this one for sure.

Virginia does have some heavy regulations on developing wetlands, but none on taking down trees on your own property.