Shelby County, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Shelby 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
- Permit trigger
- Exceeds matrix limits
- Notice of intent
- 10 to 45 work days
- Tree survey
- Generally required
- Street-tree replacement
- 2-inch DBH
- Rule section
- UDC 6.1.2
Summary
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code requires a tree removal permit or an approved alternative before clearing trees on non-exempt parcels, with a notice of intent, a tree survey, and removals limited by the tree removal matrix.
No more than 45 and no less than ten working days before the removal of any existing tree a notice of intent must be filed with the Zoning Administrator; Before the removal of any existing tree, a tree survey shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator for review.
Full Breakdown
UDC Section 6.1 sets the permit framework for tree clearing in unincorporated Shelby County and the City of Memphis. Except for exempt cases, it is unlawful to remove any existing tree without a tree removal permit, an approved equivalent alternative planting plan, a replanting development plan, or a waiver from the Zoning Administrator (Sub-Section 6.1.2B). A notice of intent must be filed ten to 45 working days before removal, and a tree survey submitted for review. A permit is required when removals exceed the matrix limits. Exemptions include a residential lot with an existing dwelling ten acres or less and removal of no more than five trees per acre. A destroyed street tree needs a two-inch DBH replacement.
Violations & Fines
Removing trees beyond the matrix limits without a permit, alternative, or waiver violates UDC Section 6.1. Enforcement by Planning and Development can include stop-work orders, mandatory replanting, and withholding the certificate of occupancy until replacement trees are installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a tree removal permit required in Shelby County?
Is a homeowner exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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