Landscaping Rules in Murfreesboro, TN

If you live in Murfreesboro or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Murfreesboro has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Water Restrictions

Murfreesboro doesn't restrict lawn watering day-to-day, but once the Mayor or City Council declares a water shortage emergency, watering lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs becomes a banned 'nonessential use' under the water conservation ordinance.

Key details: Trigger: Mayor- or Council-declared water shortage emergency. Banned use: Lawn, garden, tree & shrub watering. Normal times: No standing watering-day schedule. Enforcement: Written notice, then possible disconnection. Reconnect fee: $50 plus compliance statement.

A violator gets a written notice to correct the violation; failing to comply can lead to water service disconnection, a $50 reconnection fee, and a signed compliance statement (§ 33-108).

Compared to other cities, Murfreesboro takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Weed Ordinances

Murfreesboro caps weeds, rank grass, and noxious growth at 12 inches on small tracts, house lawns and unimproved lots of two acres or less, under the City's Weed and Refuse Ordinance, with a lighter twice-yearly mowing rule for bigger unimproved parcels.

Key details: Height limit: 12 inches. Small tract: lawns and lots two acres or less. Large tract mowing: twice yearly, 3 months apart. Governing section: Murfreesboro City Code § 14-53.

An unmowed lot over 12 inches can be declared a public nuisance under Code § 14-52; after notice under § 14-55 the City may cut it and bill the owner plus a 20% handling fee under § 14-57.

Tree Trimming

Trees and shrubs on public or private property in Murfreesboro must leave seven feet of clearance over sidewalks and 15.5 feet over travel lanes, or the City Arborist can declare them a public nuisance.

Key details: Pedestrian clearance: 7 ft minimum. Vehicular clearance: 15.5 ft minimum. Applies to: Public and private property. Notice period: At least 30 days.

Ignoring a nuisance-abatement notice lets the City trim or remove the growth itself, bill the cost to the property as a lien, and cite the owner to City Court for a § 1-8 penalty.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Murfreesboro requires a City Arborist permit before anyone plants, prunes, removes, or otherwise disturbs a tree in a public area or street right-of-way, with Landmark Trees getting extra protection from removal.

Key details: Permit issuer: City Arborist. Permit cost: Free. Application notice: 3 working days. Topping: banned except storm/utility exception. Landmark Tree removal: Arborist finding required.

Working on a public tree without a permit, topping a tree, or damaging a Landmark Tree is punished under Code § 1-8; the City can also bill removal and cleanup costs, plus a 20% handling fee, as a property lien.

The Bottom Line

Murfreesboro'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 Murfreesboro is broadly strict or permissive.

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