Nashville, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Metro Code § 13.12.190
- Intersection setback
- 25 ft, max 30 in. tall
- Street right-of-way
- No trees or hedges at all
- Notice to remove
- 15 days
- Enforcing body
- Traffic and Parking Commission
Summary
Metro Nashville bans any tree, hedge, or bush inside a public street right-of-way, and bars them within 25 feet of intersections above 30 inches tall, whenever they block driver sight lines.
It is unlawful for any person to place or cause to be placed or maintained, either temporarily or permanently, any sign, card, poster, pennant, banner, bush, tree, hedge or other obstruction: 1.On private property within twenty-five feet of any street intersection so as to interfere with traffic visibility at the intersection and at no time higher than thirty inches above the crown of the adjacent roadway; ... 3.Within the right-of-way of any street within the area of the metropolitan government;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Code of Laws § 13.12.190 makes it unlawful to place or maintain a tree, hedge, bush, sign or similar obstruction on private property within 25 feet of a street intersection higher than 30 inches above the roadway crown, wherever it interferes with visibility at a driveway or alley, or anywhere at all within the right-of-way of a public street. The ban applies countywide across both the general and urban services districts: it isn't a USD-only street rule. Metro's Traffic and Parking Commission issues written notice to the property owner, who has 15 days to clear the obstruction before Metro crews or a contractor remove it.
Violations & Fines
After the 15-day notice period lapses without removal, the Traffic and Parking Commission has the obstruction removed by Metro forces or contract, and the cost becomes a debt owed by the property owner, recoverable by legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a hedge near a street corner in Nashville?
Does this rule cover the whole county or just downtown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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