Knox County, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Knox County, 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
- Residential permit
- Not required
- County tree ordinance
- None standalone
- Preservation applies to
- Development buffers/screening
- Plan requirement
- Conserved trees shown on plan
- City of Knoxville
- Separate tree rules
Summary
Knox County does not require homeowners to get a permit to remove trees from their own property. Tree preservation is enforced only through development landscaping plans, not through a countywide tree-permit ordinance.
Existing trees that shall be conserved to create the buffer and other screening shall be identified on the landscaping plan.
Full Breakdown
Unlike some cities, unincorporated Knox County has no standalone tree-protection ordinance requiring residents to apply for a permit before removing trees. Tree preservation appears in the zoning ordinance only for new development: existing trees conserved to satisfy buffer and screening requirements must be identified on the landscaping plan, and required landscaping trees must be maintained. For homeowners, no county permit is needed to remove yard trees, though land-disturbing clearing near streams or on slopes can require a stormwater/grading permit. The City of Knoxville has separate tree rules.
Violations & Fines
No county penalty for a homeowner removing trees. A developer removing trees required to be conserved on an approved site plan can be cited under the zoning ordinance; unpermitted land disturbance is a stormwater violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tree-removal permit?
When are trees protected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knox County
Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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