Knoxville property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property and keeping clearance over sidewalks and streets. The city manages public trees.
Property owners must maintain trees to ensure clearance over sidewalks (minimum 8 feet) and streets (minimum 14 feet). Trees must not obstruct traffic signs or streetlights. The city's urban forestry program manages city-owned trees in rights-of-way and parks. Property owners should not trim city trees without permission. Hazardous trees must be addressed promptly.
Failure to maintain clearances results in code enforcement notices. The city may trim encroaching branches and bill the owner.
Knoxville, TN
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See how Knoxville's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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