Shelby County, TN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Preference
- Tennessee natives
- Approved list
- UDC Section 4.6.9
- Drought tolerance
- Required for trees
- Invasive species
- Must be controlled
Summary
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code favors native landscaping, directing that trees and shrubs be predominately hardy Tennessee native species and providing an approved native-plant list for naturalized screens and buffers.
The species may be expanded but are intended to provide guidance in selecting predominately hardy Tennessee native species.
Full Breakdown
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code encourages native landscaping on development sites. Sub-Section 4.6.4 states that the code's tree and shrub species definitions are intended to guide selection of predominately hardy Tennessee native species, and Sub-Section 4.6.4C requires trees and shrubs to be drought tolerant and able to survive on natural rainfall once established. The UDC's approved plant list in Section 4.6.9 includes native-plant tables for a naturalized shade screen and a sunny location, listing species like sweet bay magnolia, eastern red cedar, sweet gum, and redbud. The UDC also requires ongoing maintenance to prohibit exotic invasive species. A single-family homeowner faces no mandate to plant native, but native and drought-tolerant choices are favored and reduce irrigation obligations.
Violations & Fines
There is no penalty for choosing non-native plants on a private single-family lot. On regulated development sites, failing to maintain landscaping so that prohibited exotic species establish, or installing non-drought-tolerant material without required irrigation, can trigger UDC maintenance enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shelby County require native plants?
Why choose native or drought-tolerant plants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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