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Murfreesboro, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Pedestrian clearance
7 ft minimum
Vehicular clearance
15.5 ft minimum
Applies to
Public and private property
Notice period
At least 30 days

Summary

Trees and shrubs on public or private property in Murfreesboro must leave seven feet of clearance over sidewalks and 15.5 feet over travel lanes, or the City Arborist can declare them a public nuisance.

Any tree, shrub, or other plant, or portion thereof, whether located on public property or private property, that obstructs the free passage of pedestrian (seven feet minimum clearance) or vehicular traffic (15.5 feet minimum clearance) or which obstructs a traffic signal or traffic sign.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 32.5's public-nuisance provision sets numeric clearance standards for any tree, shrub, or plant on public or private property in Murfreesboro. Growth that cuts pedestrian clearance below seven feet, or vehicular clearance below 15.5 feet, or that blocks a traffic signal or sign, is declared a public nuisance. The City Arborist or City Traffic Engineer determines whether a nuisance exists and issues written notice; owners generally get at least 30 days to trim the growth themselves before the City abates it and bills the cost back to the property.

Violations & Fines

Ignoring a nuisance-abatement notice lets the City trim or remove the growth itself, bill the cost to the property as a lien, and cite the owner to City Court for a § 1-8 penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much clearance must trees leave over a sidewalk in Murfreesboro?
City Code requires at least seven feet of clearance over pedestrian routes and 15.5 feet over vehicular travel lanes; branches that fall short are a declared public nuisance.
What happens if I don't trim an obstructing tree after notice?
The City can abate the nuisance itself, bill you as a lien on your property, and cite you to City Court for a Code § 1-8 penalty.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Murfreesboro

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsWater RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Murfreesboro rules

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