Hendersonville, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Hendersonville, 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
- Permit trigger
- Tree 10+ inches DBH removed
- Zoning scope
- Commercial and industrial only
- Survey required
- Licensed surveyor tree survey
- No-permit default
- 160 tree inches per acre
- Site Plan lots
- Exempt, follow landscape plan instead
Summary
Hendersonville requires a Tree Removal Permit before cutting any tree 10 inches DBH or larger on commercial or industrial zoned property, administered by the Planning Department under the city's Zoning Ordinance.
No tree that is 10" DBH and larger and within a commercial or industrial zoning shall be removed without first obtaining a Tree Removal Permit. Application for the permit shall be in accordance with Chapter 3.2 (Application). Trees identified for removal shall be replaced at half the DBH value of the removed tree. For example, an existing 20" DBH tree would be replaced with new trees equaling 10 caliper inches. Lots or parcels with an approved and current Site Plan are not required to obtain the tree removal permit, however, are required to maintain the site in accordance with the approved landscape plan as required in Chapter 11.4.3.4 (Maintenance). A Tree Removal Permit shall not be required for the removal of trees where:
1. There is the danger of a tree falling or damaging a structure.
2. A tree is a detriment to vehicular or pedestrian access as determined by the City Planning, Public Works, Codes, or Fire Department.
3. Damage will result to utilities or structures from tree roots.
4. Vehicular and sight distance will be affected.
5. Written verification from a qualified specialist that a tree is dead or dying.
6. Removal is required by the Public Works Department for Stormwater Management activities. Application for a Tree Removal Permit is not a substitute for a Land Disturbance Permit. 67 | P a g e City of Hendersonville, Tennessee | Zoning Ordinance | 2025-19
Full Breakdown
Zoning Ordinance Section 4.12 requires a Tree Removal Permit before removing any tree 10 inches DBH or larger on commercial or industrial zoned property; lots with an approved, current Site Plan are exempt but must maintain their approved landscape plan. The application requires a licensed surveyor tree survey, and removed trees must be replaced at half their DBH in caliper inches, paid into the Tree Bank or secured by a recorded performance agreement. Exemptions apply for hazard, utility-damage, sight-distance, dead-dying, or stormwater removals. Removing a tree without a permit lets Planning Department staff estimate replacement inches from evidence, defaulting to 160 tree inches per acre if evidence is insufficient.
Violations & Fines
Cutting a protected tree without first obtaining the permit is a zoning violation and misdemeanor under Section 4.13, punishable by a $50.00 fine per day, plus staff-assessed replacement inches defaulting to 160 tree inches per acre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hendersonville require a permit to cut down a tree?
What happens if I remove a tree without the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendersonville
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