Collierville, TN Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

The Collierville Code of Ordinances does not use the label heritage tree in § 151.267; its size-based class of large trees is the specimen tree. The zoning definitions in § 151.003 define a specimen tree as any canopy tree with a diameter of 24 inches or greater measured at diameter breast height (DBH). The tree protection subchapter opens by stating that trees are part of the Town's heritage and future and that the standards exist to preserve or increase tree canopy coverage in the Town of Collierville, Tennessee.

Two parts of § 151.267 apply to specimen trees. Subsection (C) requires a tree preservation plan with every grading permit, site plan, preliminary plat or subdivision infrastructure construction plan application. The plan must show the exact location, health and size of all specimen trees and whether each will be preserved or removed, along with a current aerial photo of existing canopy, labeled tree save areas and the utilities, rights-of-way, easements and grading contours.

Subsection (D) governs protection during construction. All specimen trees in a tree protection zone, the perimeter of tree save areas, or trees counted toward the tree density requirement must remain in place from the preconstruction meeting until the final subdivision plat is recorded, and their critical root zone (CRZ) must be protected. Staff will not hold the preconstruction meeting until the tree protection fencing is in place and field-verified.

Specimen trees also earn credit under § 151.268(E). Existing viable trees that meet the minimum size for new plantings and are protected by appropriate tree protection fencing count toward the required number of trees, and a specimen tree counts as the equivalent of three new trees. Applicants who save more trees than their approved drawings showed can request a refund from the Tree Bank under § 151.268(I)(4), subject to Board of Mayor and Aldermen approval.