Memphis, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Topping
- Banned on public trees, Sec. 12-70-4
- Pruning standard
- ANSI tree-care standards required
- Utility clearance authority
- Public Works / MLGW, Sec. 12-56-3
- Contractor bond
- 100% of job cost
- Contractor insurance
- $50,000 property / $100,000 injury min.
- Max fine
- $50.00 per violation
Summary
Memphis bars topping any public tree and requires that any pruning done to fix a safety hazard, protect power lines, or clear street lighting follow ANSI pruning standards, per Code Sec. 12-70-4. Topping is allowed only as a last resort, when ANSI-compliant pruning can't solve the problem.
No person shall top any public tree. Any tree requiring pruning to ameliorate any public safety issues, to ensure the safe distribution of public energy, to remove obstruction of street lights from any lamps or other public obstruction, shall be pruned according to ANSI standards. Topping a tree shall be used only when pruning by ANSI standards fail to address the foregoing issues.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Charter: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Sec. ' Any tree that needs pruning 'to ameliorate any public safety issues, to ensure the safe distribution of public energy, to remove obstruction of street lights from any lamps or other public obstruction,' must be pruned to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) tree-care standards rather than topped. ' The rule works alongside Sec. 12-56-3, which gives the director of public works and Memphis Light, Gas and Water authority to trim or remove any tree, limb, or branch that interferes with electrical wires or obstructs streetlights, whether the tree sits on public property or merely overhangs it; MLG&W personnel may trim or top trees on public property or intruding onto it near electric conductors.
Interfering with city or MLG&W crews doing that trimming is a misdemeanor under Sec. 12-56-3(E). Sec. 00), and employ at least one certified arborist, with proof filed with the city risk manager.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 12-70-7 caps fines for any Chapter 12-70 violation, including improper topping or pruning of a public tree, at $50.00, appealable under Sec. 1-8 of the Code. Separately, Sec. 12-56-3(E) makes it a misdemeanor to interfere with the director of public works, Memphis Light, Gas and Water, or their crews while they're trimming or removing a tree that's obstructing wires or streetlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Memphis top a public tree instead of pruning it?
Who can trim a tree blocking power lines in Memphis?
What insurance does a Memphis tree company need for public tree work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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