Nashville, TN Invasive Plant Rules: Bamboo Restrictions (2026)

Nashville has no municipal code section specifically prohibiting or restricting bamboo planting on private property. Running bamboo species are legal to plant and maintain. Tennessee's noxious weed regulations do not include bamboo on the state's list of prohibited plants. However, bamboo that spreads uncontrolled onto neighboring properties may be addressed as a nuisance under Tennessee common law and Nashville's property maintenance code. Nashville's hot, humid summers provide favorable growing conditions for many running bamboo species, making containment particularly important. Property owners planting running bamboo are strongly advised to install HDPE rhizome barriers at least 24-30 inches deep around the planting area. Bamboo that encroaches on public sidewalks or rights-of-way may be cited under property maintenance codes. Clumping bamboo species (Bambusa, Fargesia) are a safer alternative as they do not spread via underground rhizomes. Nashville's rapid development has increased awareness of bamboo encroachment issues between neighboring properties.