Tree Protection in Nashville, TN (2026)
7 verified tree protection rules for Nashville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Nashville requires tree removal permits for protected trees under the Metro Tree and Landscape Code (Title 17, Chapter 17.40, Article X). Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 12 inches or more on development sites are considered protected. The Urban Forestry Division reviews permit applications and may require replacement plantings.
Nashville Tree Removal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Nashville provides enhanced protection for heritage and specimen trees through the tree protection ordinance (Chapter 17.40, Article X). Heritage trees — generally those of exceptional size, species, or historical significance — receive the highest level of protection and require Metro Council approval for removal in certain circumstances.
Nashville Heritage & Protected Tree Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Nashville requires tree replacement when protected trees are removed during development. The Metro Tree and Landscape Code (Chapter 17.40, Article X) specifies replacement ratios based on the size and species of removed trees. Developers may plant replacement trees on-site or pay into the Metro Tree Fund.
Nashville Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Nashville's tree protection regulations under Metro Code Chapter 17.24 and Title 17.40 Article X require tree surveys, preservation plans, and replacement for protected trees during development, enforced by the Metro Urban Forester.
Nashville Tree Protection & Care Ordinance
Some RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Metro Code Chapter 17.24 protects landmark and specimen trees on public property and on private development sites. Removal of designated trees requires Urban Forester approval, and replacement is calculated by trunk diameter using density unit credits.
Designated landmark and specimen trees in Davidson County
Heavy RestrictionsParkway Planting
NDOT and the Metro Urban Forester regulate planting in the public right-of-way, including parkways between sidewalk and curb. Residents must obtain a permit and plant approved species at proper spacing and clearances from utilities and signs.
Street-tree planting in Metro right-of-way
Some RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
Root Nashville, a public-private partnership coordinated by the Cumberland River Compact and Metro, targets 500,000 new trees by 2050 with priority planting in low-canopy, high-heat neighborhoods identified through the Livable Nashville equity analysis.
Equitable canopy investment under Root Nashville
Few RestrictionsLooking for Davidson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Nashville city rules.
Tree Protection in Davidson County →