Franklin does not require native-plant landscaping, but the Tree Commission maintains a Recommended Tree List that prioritizes species suited to Middle Tennessee, and the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 (Natural Resources) protects existing native canopy and riparian vegetation along the Harpeth River. The Franklin Zoning Ordinance specifically allows removal of invasive species listed by the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council (TN-EPPC) without a tree removal permit — encouraging replacement of invasives with natives. Tennessee's official state tree is the tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), TCA § 4-1-305.
Franklin's approach to native plants is supportive but not mandatory. The Tree Commission's official duties include maintenance of a recommended tree list for the community, which emphasizes species adapted to USDA Zone 7a/7b (Middle Tennessee) including tulip poplar, sugar maple, white oak, willow oak, eastern red cedar, flowering dogwood, eastern redbud, serviceberry, and bald cypress. Zoning Ordinance § 17.2 (Tree Protection) protects existing native canopy as part of tree preservation plans on new development. § 17.2 also lists invasive species per the TN-EPPC list as exempt from tree retention — meaning property owners can remove kudzu, Chinese privet, Bradford pear, tree of heaven, mimosa, autumn olive, and bush honeysuckle without seeking permission. Within the Harpeth River corridor, Chapter 17 enforces riparian buffer setbacks that protect native vegetation along streambanks. UT Extension provides native-plant guidance and the Tennessee Native Plant Society publishes regional planting lists. The Tree Bank Fund (administered by the Tree Commission) accepts donations and funds plantings, with priority to native and adapted species.
There is no penalty for choosing or not choosing native plants on private property. Removing TN-EPPC-listed invasives is expressly allowed under Zoning § 17.2 without a tree permit. Damaging riparian vegetation within a regulated Harpeth River buffer, or removing native canopy in violation of an approved tree preservation plan, is enforced under Chapter 17 with replacement obligations and possible Tree Bank Fund contributions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Franklin, TN
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Franklin, TN
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Franklin, TN
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Franklin, TN
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Franklin, TN
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Franklin, TN
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