Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Davidson County, TN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Municode Library →

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Key Facts

Metro Restriction: None on residential
HOA State Protection: None in Tennessee
Rebates: Rainscaping programs
Invasives: Discouraged not banned
Advisory

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Davidson County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Metro Nashville encourages native plantings through NashvilleNext and Metro Tree Advisory Committee recommendations. Tennessee has no statewide HOA xeriscaping protection, but Metro does not restrict native gardens on private residential property.

Full Breakdown

Metro Nashville's landscape code (§17.24) requires certain commercial and parking-lot plantings but does not restrict native residential landscapes. The Metro Tree Advisory Committee publishes a Preferred Tree List featuring Tennessee natives (oak, hickory, dogwood, redbud). Harpeth Conservancy and TDEC offer rainscaping and native plant rebates in stormwater-priority basins. Unlike California or Florida, Tennessee does not have statute-level HOA protection for xeriscaping or native plantings, so HOA CC&Rs control within their covenant authority. Cumberland River watershed projects incentivize riparian native plantings. Invasive species (privet, kudzu, tree of heaven, bush honeysuckle) are not mandated for removal but are discouraged in Metro publications.

Violations & Fines

No Metro penalties for native plant installation on private residential property. HOA covenant disputes handled civilly; Tennessee has no state-level xeriscaping preemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces native plants rules in Davidson County?

Davidson County's code enforcement division is responsible for landscaping ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Davidson County government website or by calling the main municipal line.

What are typical penalties for violating native plants rules?

Most Davidson County landscaping violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Davidson County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

How does Davidson County compare?

See how Davidson County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.

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Davidson County, TN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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