Nashville's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Nashville, Tennessee, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Weed Ordinances

Nashville enforces weed abatement under TN Code §6-54-113. Overgrown properties subject to city abatement at owner’s expense.

Key details: State Law: TN Code §6-54-113. Enforcement: City code compliance. Cost: Owner pays abatement. Growing Season: Year-round concern.

Notice to abate. City clears at owner’s expense ($200 to $1,000+). Administrative fee + property lien.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Nashville's Metro Code Chapter 17.24 and Chapter 2.226 require tree removal permits for protected, retained, or heritage trees. Unauthorized removal triggers replacement requirements at the owner's expense.

Key details: Code: Metro Code Ch. 17.24; Ch. 2.226. Permit Threshold: Required for retained, protected, or heritage trees. Heritage Tree: 24"+ diameter (DBH). Non-Residential TDU: 22 tree density units per acre required. Natural Death: No replacement required if tree dies from drought or natural disaster.

Unauthorized removal: must replace at equivalent TDU density + possible fines for zoning violation.

Grass Height Limits

Nashville's Property Standards Code under Chapter 16.24 prohibits excessive grass and weed growth on residential properties. Overgrown vegetation constitutes a code violation subject to Metro Codes enforcement.

Key details: Code: Metro Code Ch. 16.24 (Property Standards). Standard: Excessive vegetation/weeds prohibited as nuisance. Complaint Process: 311 complaint triggers Metro Codes inspection. Enforcement: Warning then citation; Metro may mow at owner's expense. Visible Standard: Overgrown vegetation visible from street or neighboring property.

Citation under Ch. 16.24. Metro may cut grass at owner's expense + administrative fees if unaddressed.

Tree Trimming

Nashville property owners are responsible for trimming trees on their property. Metro Code Chapter 17.24 and Chapter 2.226 govern tree protection and replacement. Trees in the public right-of-way require NDOT/Metro Water approval before trimming.

Key details: Private Trees: May trim without permit; removal may require permit per Ch. 17.24. Right-of-Way Trees: NDOT + Metro Water approval required before trimming or removal. Code: Metro Code Ch. 17.24; Ch. 2.226. Heritage Trees: 24"+ DBH; must be survey-located on development plans. Neighbor's Property: May trim to property line; do not damage root system.

Unauthorized trimming of right-of-way trees: violation with Metro Water/NDOT enforcement.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Nashville gives residents more flexibility on tree trimming.

Water Restrictions

Nashville does not have permanent mandatory water restrictions. Metro Water Services issues voluntary conservation requests during drought conditions, such as staggered odd/even watering schedules. No permanent outdoor watering ban exists.

Key details: Status: No permanent mandatory restrictions. Drought Response: Voluntary staggered odd/even watering schedule. Odd Addresses: Mon/Wed/Fri during drought advisories. Even Addresses: Tue/Thu/Sat during drought advisories. Authority: Metro Water Services (MWS); 615-862-4600.

No fines for voluntary restriction non-compliance. Emergency mandatory restrictions (if issued) would carry enforcement authority.

The rules around water restrictions in Nashville lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Nashville gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 5 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.

These rules come from Nashville's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.