Landscaping Rules in Rutherford County, TN (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Once a tree in unincorporated Rutherford County is designated on an approved tree preservation plan, Zoning Ordinance Section 1104 G.3 requires a 3-foot minimum protective barricade around it before construction starts, kept in place until work is finished. Disturbing the protected root zone costs the developer the tree's credit and forces a revised landscape plan.
Tree Protection During Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1104 G.3
3. Tree Protection During Construction ... Protective barricades shall be placed around the critical root zone of all trees designated in the tree preservation plan prior to the start of development activities and shall remain in place until development activities are complete. a. A protection barrier or tree fence shall be installed at a minimum of 3 feet in height around the tree or tree grov...
Weed Ordinances
Unincorporated Rutherford County's Tall Weeds and Grass Ordinance keeps grass and weeds below fifteen inches on lots of two acres or less and within 25 feet of any street. Inside the City of Murfreesboro the limit is twelve inches.
Rutherford County: Grass and Weeds Over 15 Inches Prohibited
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Tall Weeds and Grass Ordinance (Nov. 13, 2008), Sec. 1
weeds and other similar regulated vegetation shall be kept cut, clipped or controlled through chemical means as frequently as necessary to ensure that weeds, rank grass, and noxious growths do not exceed a height of fifteen (15) inches.
Water Restrictions
Rutherford County and its water providers have not imposed mandatory watering restrictions; conservation is voluntary. Tennessee sets no statewide homeowner watering ban. During drought, the county and utilities such as the Consolidated Utility District ask residents to cut non-essential water use.
Rutherford County: Voluntary Water Conservation, No Mandatory Ban
Few RestrictionsRutherford County EMA — Drought guidance
County officials have not yet had to restrict water use, but we highly recommend that you consider ways to reduce your consumption and conserve whenever possible.
Landscaping Rules by City in Rutherford County
1 cities in Rutherford County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Rutherford County ordinances
See every category we cover for Rutherford County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Rutherford County Ordinance Hub →