Invasive Plant Rules in Knoxville, TN (2026)
1 verified invasive plant rules for Knoxville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Prohibited Species
Knoxville's zoning landscape standards flatly prohibit invasive species on any required landscape plan, steering developers instead toward native, drought-tolerant plants drawn from the city's official Tree List.
Knoxville Invasive Plant Landscaping Ban
Some RestrictionsKnoxville City Code, Appendix B (Zoning Code), Art. 12, Sec. 12.3.A, "Selection" (Ord. No. O-87-2020, § 1, 5-19-20; Ord. No. O-94-2025, § 1, 8-19-25)
Species must be selected based on those that will survive and thrive in East Tennessee. Trees should be selected from the City of Knoxville's Tree List maintained by the City... The use of native species and drought tolerant species is encouraged. Invasive species are prohibited.
Looking for Knox County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Knoxville city rules.
Invasive Plant Rules in Knox County →