Memphis, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Memphis, 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
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 12-70, Public Trees
- Enacting ordinance
- Ord. No. 5494, 3-5-2013
- Board size
- 7 members, 3 certified arborists min.
- Board term
- 3 years, mayoral appointment
- City authority
- Plant, prune, maintain, remove public trees
- Max fine
- $50.00 per violation, Sec. 12-70-7
Summary
Memphis's tree ordinance, Chapter 12-70 of the Code, creates the seven-member Memphis Tree Board to advise on planting, maintenance, and conservation of public trees, and gives the city authority under Sec. 12-70-3 to plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees, plants, and shrubs on public property whenever needed for safety or to preserve the site's appearance.
It shall be the responsibility of the Memphis Tree Board to serve as an advisory board and recommend policies and practices to the director of park services and neighborhoods that have positive contributions to the establishment, management, enhancement, maintenance, and conservation of public trees in the City of Memphis... Sec. 12-70-3. - Public tree care. The city shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs on public property, as may be necessary to ensure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of the site.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Charter: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 12-70-2 establishes the Memphis Tree Board as an advisory body to the director of park services and neighborhoods, tasked with recommending policies for the establishment, management, enhancement, maintenance, and conservation of public trees and with running public-awareness programs. The board has seven members, three of whom must be a certified professional arborist, horticulturalist, or forester; all must live in Memphis and are appointed by the mayor with city council approval to staggered three-year terms. Sec. ' Chapter 12-70 defines its subject matter in Sec.
12-70-1, 'park trees' (in city parks or park-like public areas) and 'public trees' (any tree on city property), and sorts trees into large (over 50 feet at maturity), medium (25-50 feet), and small (15-25 feet) categories for planning purposes. Sec. 12-70-8 clarifies the chapter creates no city liability and does not relieve a private property owner of the separate duty to keep any tree, shrub, or plant in the street tree area on their own property from becoming a hazard or sight obstruction on public rights-of-way.
The whole chapter, enacted by Ord. No. 5494 on March 5, 2013, carries its own severability clauses (Sec. 12-70-9, 12-70-10) and took effect immediately as a public peace, health, and safety measure (Sec. 12-70-11).
Violations & Fines
Sec. 12-70-7 sets the chapter-wide penalty: anyone violating any provision of Chapter 12-70 is subject to a fine not to exceed $50.00, appealable under Sec. 1-8 of the Memphis Code. That $50.00 cap applies across the chapter, the Tree Board's advisory work, the city's pruning/removal authority, the topping ban, and the contractor bonding rules alike, unless a more specific state or federal law imposes a higher penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Memphis have a tree protection ordinance?
Who sits on the Memphis Tree Board?
Does Chapter 12-70 protect trees on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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