Knoxville, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 8 feet minimum
- Street clearance
- 12 feet minimum
- Truck thoroughfare clearance
- 14 feet minimum
- Responsible party
- Bordering property owner/occupant
Summary
Knoxville property owners must prune trees bordering streets to keep at least 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 12 feet over streets, per the city forestry code.
It shall be the duty of any person or persons owning or occupying real property bordering on any street upon which property there may be trees, to prune or plant trees in such manner that they will not obstruct or shade street lights, will not obstruct the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks, will not obstruct vision of traffic signs, will not obstruct the use of any street or alley, will not obstruct a public sidewalk, will not interfere with utility equipment and/or facilities or their safety clearances, or otherwise endanger the public. Property owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs which constitute a menace to the safety of the public. The minimum clearance of any overhanging portion thereof should be eight (8) feet over sidewalks, and twelve (12) feet over all streets and vehicular use areas except truck thoroughfares which shall have a minimum clearance of fourteen (14) feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Under Knoxville, Tennessee's forestry ordinance, anyone who owns or occupies property bordering a city street must prune or plant trees so they don't obstruct streetlights, sidewalks, traffic signs, utility equipment, or the roadway itself. Overhanging limbs must clear at least 8 feet above sidewalks and 12 feet above streets and vehicular-use areas, rising to a 14-foot minimum over designated truck thoroughfares. Owners are also responsible for removing dead, diseased, or dangerous trees and broken or decaying limbs that threaten public safety. The city urban forester can relax these clearance standards case by case based on site-specific physical or biological conditions.
Violations & Fines
Letting a tree block a sidewalk, street light, or traffic sign, or ignoring hazardous limbs, violates Sec. 14-59(a) and is enforced under the article's penalty provision, Sec. 14-64.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for trimming trees along the street in Knoxville?
How much clearance does a tree need over a Knoxville sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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