Tree Protection in Tennessee (2026)
19 rules on the books across Tennessee, 12 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Heritage & Protected Trees
Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.
Franklin
Significant RestrictionsFranklin's 2026 zoning ordinance bars removing, harming, or disturbing any specimen tree, a canopy tree 24 inches or…
Read full rule →Murfreesboro
Significant RestrictionsMurfreesboro's City Arborist keeps a municipal register of Landmark Trees, exceptional specimens nominated for size…
Read full rule →Nashville
Significant RestrictionsMetro Nashville designates heritage trees by trunk diameter thresholds, 24 inches for oak, maple and poplar, down to 8…
Read full rule →Collierville
Some RestrictionsThe Town of Collierville protects its largest trees as specimen trees: any canopy tree 24 inches or greater in diameter…
Read full rule →Knoxville
Some RestrictionsKnoxville requires a permit from the urban forester before removing or heavily pruning any tree on the State Champion…
Read full rule →Williamson County
Some RestrictionsWilliamson County keeps no heritage or landmark specimen-tree registry. Protection is canopy-based, but conservation…
Read full rule →Clarksville
Few RestrictionsThe city tree board administers a landmark tree program covering trees of unusual rarity, size, age or historical…
Read full rule →Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Parkway Planting
Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.
Chattanooga
Some RestrictionsChattanooga bars planting new street trees within ten feet of fire hydrants and other fire equipment, or within ten…
Read full rule →Collierville
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Collierville, the property owner maintains street trees between the curb and sidewalk that were planted…
Read full rule →Franklin
Some RestrictionsFranklin's 2026 zoning ordinance requires street trees along both sides of every street and internal drive, planted in…
Read full rule →Hamilton County
Some RestrictionsNew and expanding commercial or multi-family developments in unincorporated Hamilton County must plant one street tree…
Read full rule →Hendersonville
Some RestrictionsHendersonville requires street trees in the required street yard spaced 40 feet on-center with a 2.5-inch minimum…
Read full rule →Jackson
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Jackson, Tennessee, planting a street tree is not left to the property owner. The City Tree Board…
Read full rule →Kingsport
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Kingsport, Tennessee, property owners can plant trees on city right-of-way if the choice and location do…
Read full rule →Knoxville
Some RestrictionsKnoxville bars new street trees within 10 feet of fire hydrants, 30 feet of an intersection, and sets minimum treelawn…
Read full rule →Murfreesboro
Some RestrictionsAny tree planted in Murfreesboro's public right-of-way along a major arterial or collector street posted above 40 mph…
Read full rule →Nashville
Some RestrictionsWhere Metro has adopted a street tree and streetscape plan for an area, new development must plant right-of-way trees…
Read full rule →Williamson County
Some RestrictionsWilliamson County requires developments to plant a minimum density of canopy trees and shrubs along the public street…
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