Franklin, TN Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected threshold
- 24-inch DBH canopy tree
- Removal without exemption
- prohibited
- Root zone disturbance
- requires certified arborist review
- Enforcing dept
- Planning and Sustainability
- Permit removal
- not available for specimen trees
Summary
Franklin's 2026 zoning ordinance bars removing, harming, or disturbing any specimen tree, a canopy tree 24 inches or greater in diameter, without meeting an approved exemption, permit exception, or arborist-certified root zone review.
Specimen trees shall not be cut, removed, pushed over, killed, or otherwise harmed, except as exempted by Subsection 17.2.1, Exemptions. The area within the critical root zone, known as the tree protection zone, of any specimen tree shall not be subject to any disturbance unless the disturbance is based on an ISA certified arborist report stating that the proposed construction shall cause no harm to the tree and is approved by the Department of Planning and Sustainability.
Full Breakdown
Franklin's 2026 zoning ordinance defines a specimen tree as any canopy tree 24 inches or greater in diameter at breast height. Specimen trees cannot be cut, removed, pushed over, killed, or otherwise harmed except under the narrow exemptions in § 17.2.1 (dead/dying trees, utility conflicts, City-approved access). Lots with a specimen tree are flagged as critical lots on the site plan and final plat, and the tree's critical root zone, the tree protection zone, is off-limits to disturbance unless an ISA-certified arborist certifies no harm and the Department of Planning and Sustainability approves. A tree removal permit cannot authorize removing a specimen tree.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a specimen tree without an exemption is a zoning violation requiring 2:1 caliper-inch replacement; unauthorized construction encroachment into a protected root zone triggers the same mitigation duty and can halt site plan review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a specimen tree from my Franklin lot?
What counts as a specimen tree in Franklin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee tree protection overview
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