Tennessee Noxious Weed Statewide Control Authority

Under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 43, Chapter 6, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Plant Certification program designates noxious weeds and pests requiring landowner control. Listed species include musk thistle, kudzu in certain contexts, and species posing agricultural or ecological threats. The Commissioner of Agriculture may issue quarantine orders, require treatment, and recover costs from non-compliant landowners. Local weed ordinances regulating tall grass and yard maintenance are separate from this state program and remain local matters. The state framework focuses on agricultural pests rather than residential lawn aesthetics.

Noncompliance with state quarantine orders carries civil penalties up to $1,500 per violation plus state recovery of treatment costs.