Murfreesboro, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Murfreesboro, 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 issuer
- City Arborist
- Permit cost
- Free
- Application notice
- 3 working days
- Topping
- banned except storm/utility exception
- Landmark Tree removal
- Arborist finding required
Summary
Murfreesboro requires a City Arborist permit before anyone plants, prunes, removes, or otherwise disturbs a tree in a public area or street right-of-way, with Landmark Trees getting extra protection from removal.
No person other than the City Arborist, designee, or a contractor employed by the City Arborist, may perform any of the following acts on a tree in a public area without first obtaining a permit: plant, maintain, treat, prune, remove, replant, replace or otherwise disturb any tree.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 32.5, the City Arborist regulates trees on public property. City land and street or highway rights-of-way. Section 32.5-6 requires a free permit, issued on about three working days' notice, before planting, pruning, removing, or otherwise disturbing a public-area tree; violating the permit terms voids it. Topping is banned outright except for storm-damaged or utility-obstructed trees at the Arborist's discretion. Section 32.5-7 bars damaging, cutting, or attaching hardware to a public-area or Landmark Tree without authorization. Landmark Trees can be removed only for disease, hazard, or economic-enjoyment findings, and private trees are reached only if declared a public nuisance under § 32.5-8.
Violations & Fines
Working on a public tree without a permit, topping a tree, or damaging a Landmark Tree is punished under Code § 1-8; the City can also bill removal and cleanup costs, plus a 20% handling fee, as a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim the tree by my curb?
Can the City force me to remove a tree on my own property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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