Franklin, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Franklin, TN, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Replacement ratio
- 2:1 caliper inches
- Min replacement size
- 2-inch caliper minimum
- Replant deadline
- within 12 months
- In-lieu option
- payment to City tree bank
- Payment method
- cashier's check to City
Summary
Franklin requires two caliper inches of replacement trees for every caliper inch of specimen tree removed, planted within 12 months, with cash payment to the City's tree bank allowed only when on-site replanting space is insufficient.
Two caliper inches of replacement trees shall be provided for each caliper inch of specimen tree removed. Each replacement tree shall be a minimum of two caliper inches, and shall either be replanted within 12 months of the removal of the specimen tree, or within a timeframe approved by the Department of Planning and Sustainability Department. Performance agreements for the associated replacement, if warranted in the opinion of the Department of Planning and Sustainability, shall be established in accordance with Chapter 21, Performance Agreements. Replacement trees shall not be used to meet any other landscape requirements.
2. Replacement trees shall be either planted on the lot or site where the specimen tree was removed; however, in cases where space on the lot or site is insufficient, DRT may determine if mitigation may take the form of payment to the City's tree bank, pursuant to Section 17.2.8, Tree Bank.
Full Breakdown
The 2026 zoning ordinance sets a 2:1 caliper-inch replacement ratio for specimen trees removed or damaged: each replacement tree must be at least two caliper inches and planted within 12 months, or a Department-approved timeframe, on the same lot. Replacement trees cannot double as required landscaping. Only when the Development Review Team finds on-site space insufficient can an applicant instead pay into the City's tree bank, a dedicated fund under § 17.2.8 used solely to plant, install, and maintain trees on public land such as parks and rights-of-way for their first five years. Payment is due by cashier's check before the final plat records or a building permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted removal or root-zone damage triggers mandatory replacement or tree-bank payment; the Department can withhold approval of any site plan, plat, or permit for the property until replacement or payment is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I remove a specimen tree in Franklin?
Can I pay a fee instead of replanting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.