Shelby County, TN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Pruning standard
- ANSI A300
- Topping
- Prohibited
- Damaged tree
- Replace one-for-one
- Rule section
- UDC 4.6.4F
Summary
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code requires pruning of required landscape trees to follow ANSI A300 standards and prohibits topping, lollipopping, or meatballing that harms a tree's natural form on development sites.
Necessary pruning and trimming must be in accordance with the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations... and may not be interpreted to include topping of trees through removal of crown material or the central leader, or any other similarly severe procedures such as lollipopping or meatballing that cause irreparable harm to the natural form of the tree.
Full Breakdown
For sites subject to the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code, Sub-Section 4.6.4F places pruning duties on the property owner. Every owner of property adjacent to or in front of which a street tree stands must maintain and prune that tree. Necessary pruning must comply with the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations (ANSI A300) and may not include topping through removal of crown material or the central leader, or similarly severe procedures such as lollipopping or meatballing that cause irreparable harm, except where needed to maintain public overhead utilities. Damaged plant material must be replaced on a one-for-one basis. These duties apply to non-single-family development; routine trimming of a homeowner's own yard tree is not permit-regulated.
Violations & Fines
Topping, lollipopping, or meatballing a required tree, or otherwise pruning it so as to cause irreparable harm to its natural form, violates UDC Sub-Section 4.6.4F. Enforcement can require one-for-one replacement of the damaged plant material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I top a required tree in Shelby County?
Do I need to prune my own yard tree a certain way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee landscaping rules overview
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