How Memphis Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Memphis maintains 200 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 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.
Native Plants
Memphis encourages native plantings and does not require turf lawns in residential zones. Pollinator and naturalized landscapes are permitted provided they comply with the 10-inch weed ordinance or are registered as managed natural areas.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.memphisbotanicgarden.com) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Memphis gives residents more flexibility on native plants.
Water Restrictions
Memphis is served by MLGW from the deep Memphis Sand aquifer and has no mandatory water-use restrictions or drought schedules. Voluntary conservation is encouraged during dry summers. MLGW offers rebates for efficient fixtures but does not impose watering-day rules.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.mlgw.com) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Memphis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to water restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Weed Ordinances
Memphis requires grass and weeds to be kept below 10 inches. Overgrown lots are cited under the property maintenance code, and unresolved violations are abated by the city with the cost added to the property-tax lien.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Memphis actively enforces its weed ordinances requirements.
Artificial Turf
Memphis allows artificial turf on residential property with no citywide ban. Front-yard installations may face HOA design review, and permeable base preparation is required for stormwater compliance. Commercial and athletic-field installations follow separate drainage and heat-management standards.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
The rules around artificial turf in Memphis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Tree Trimming
Memphis regulates trimming and removal of public right-of-way trees through the Division of Parks and Urban Forestry. Private trees on private property may generally be trimmed without a permit, but overhanging branches have defined neighbor rights under Tennessee common law.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.memphistn.gov) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Rainwater Harvesting
Memphis permits residential rainwater harvesting with no capacity cap. Rain barrels and cisterns are encouraged for landscape irrigation. Potable indoor use of harvested rainwater requires Shelby County Health Department approval and treatment.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.tn.gov/environment) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Memphis gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.
Grass Height Limits
Memphis enforces maximum grass and weed height per TN Code §6-54-113. Overgrown properties subject to code compliance action and city abatement.
Key details: Max Height: 8 to 12 inches typical. Notice: 7 to 10 day compliance. State Law: TN Code §6-54-113. Abatement: City lien if not mowed.
Notice to abate. City mowing at owner’s expense ($150 to $500+). Administrative fees. Property lien.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tree removal in Memphis governed by the Unified Development Code. Street trees require permit from Memphis Public Works. The Wolf River Conservation greenway and riparian buffers provide additional tree protections near waterways.
Key details: Street Trees: Memphis Public Works permit required. UDC: Memphis-Shelby County UDC tree regulations. Riparian Buffer: Wolf River and waterway buffer zones. Contact: Memphis Public Works: memphistn.gov.
Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Memphis gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 4 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
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.