Landscaping Rules in Memphis, TN

Memphis maintains 129 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Memphis falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Trimming

Memphis bars topping any public tree and requires that any pruning done to fix a safety hazard, protect power lines, or clear street lighting follow ANSI pruning standards, per Code Sec. 12-70-4. Topping is allowed only as a last resort, when ANSI-compliant pruning can't solve the problem.

Key details: Topping: Banned on public trees, Sec. 12-70-4. Pruning standard: ANSI tree-care standards required. Utility clearance authority: Public Works / MLGW, Sec. 12-56-3. Contractor bond: 100% of job cost. Contractor insurance: $50,000 property / $100,000 injury min..

Sec. 12-70-7 caps fines for any Chapter 12-70 violation, including improper topping or pruning of a public tree, at $50.00, appealable under Sec. 1-8 of the Code. Separately, Sec. 12-56-3(E) makes it a misdemeanor to interfere with the director of public works, Memphis Light, Gas and Water, or their crews while they're trimming or removing a tree that's obstructing wires or streetlights.

Weed Ordinances

Memphis caps weeds, rank grass and noxious growth at 12 inches on lots up to two acres, and at six inches on grass walkways next to city streets. Owners who ignore a five-day cutting notice face a misdemeanor and a city cutting crew that bills the cost as a lien.

Key details: Small tracts (≤2 acres): 12 inches maximum. Street-abutting walkways: 6 inches maximum. Large tracts near homes (130 ft.): Treated as small tract, 12 in.. Notice to comply: 5 days after service. Growth season notice rule: One notice covers May 1–Sept 30.

Failing to cut weeds, rank grass or noxious growth after notice is a misdemeanor under § 9-96-2(B), punishable per § 1-24-1. Separately, the city can send a crew or contractor to cut the property under § 9-96-5 and record a lien for the cost; unpaid balances are certified to the city treasurer by December 31 and collected the next year as a special tax with the owner's city property taxes.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Memphis's tree ordinance, Chapter 12-70 of the Code, creates the seven-member Memphis Tree Board to advise on planting, maintenance, and conservation of public trees, and gives the city authority under Sec. 12-70-3 to plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees, plants, and shrubs on public property whenever needed for safety or to preserve the site's appearance.

Key details: Governing chapter: Ch. 12-70, Public Trees. Enacting ordinance: Ord. No. 5494, 3-5-2013. Board size: 7 members, 3 certified arborists min.. Board term: 3 years, mayoral appointment. City authority: Plant, prune, maintain, remove public trees.

Sec. 12-70-7 sets the chapter-wide penalty: anyone violating any provision of Chapter 12-70 is subject to a fine not to exceed $50.00, appealable under Sec. 1-8 of the Memphis Code. That $50.00 cap applies across the chapter, the Tree Board's advisory work, the city's pruning/removal authority, the topping ban, and the contractor bonding rules alike, unless a more specific state or federal law imposes a higher penalty.

The rules around tree removal & heritage trees in Memphis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Memphis's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Memphis is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Memphis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.