Tree removal permit rules in Rutherford County, TN — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Removing a street or public tree in Murfreesboro requires City Arborist authorization. A tree on private property may be removed without a city permit unless it is declared a public nuisance. Unincorporated Rutherford County has no tree-removal ordinance.
Murfreesboro's Tree Preservation Ordinance requires a permit to remove any tree on city property; only the City Arborist or an authorized contractor may do so. The ordinance also lets the City act against any tree, whether on public or private property, that by reason of location or condition is an imminent danger to public health, safety, or welfare, or that obstructs traffic or a sight triangle. For such a private-property nuisance tree, the City gives written notice and at least thirty days to abate before it may remove the tree and lien the cost. A healthy tree on private land may otherwise be removed without a city permit. Unincorporated county land has no tree-removal permit.
Unauthorized removal of a public tree is a misdemeanor, fined up to five hundred dollars plus the tree's value. A private nuisance tree left unabated after 30-day notice may be removed by the City and liened.
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