Franklin, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Per the Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 5 (Tree Topping Prohibition at § 5.2.4(6)(f)) and Chapter 17 (Natural Resources, with § 17.2 Tree Protection), all topping of trees is prohibited within the City. 'Topping' is the indiscriminate cutting of branches/leaders to stubs and is considered destructive arboricultural practice. The Urban Forestry section of Parks (Superintendent Brian Walker; Supervisor Michael Moynahan) handles trees on City property and in the right-of-way and was created to facilitate the City's tree management plan. The Tree Commission maintains a recommended tree list and oversees Tree City USA reporting. For routine pruning of trees on private property that are NOT protected (i.e., single-family residential lots of one acre or less, dead/diseased trees, nuisance/safety trees as verified by a certified arborist, invasive species listed by the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council, and trees encroaching utility easements), the City does not require a permit. Tennessee follows the common-law rule that an adjoining landowner may trim branches that overhang their property line back to the boundary, provided no trespass occurs and the tree is not killed (UTIA Extension SP687).