Murfreesboro, TN Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- City Code Ch. 32.5
- Registry keeper
- City Arborist
- Private-tree enrollment
- Requires owner consent
- Nominated by
- Official, citizen, or owner
Summary
Murfreesboro's City Arborist keeps a municipal register of Landmark Trees, exceptional specimens nominated for size, age, rarity, or history, and once enrolled, a tree is protected from removal on both public and private property in Rutherford County.
A municipal register shall be established and maintained for Landmark Trees. The City Arborist shall periodically conduct a survey to locate trees eligible for Landmark Tree designation. Enrollment shall be accomplished through identification and nomination of an individual tree or tree group by a municipal official, citizen, or property owner subject to review and approval by the Department. A tree on private property may not be designated a Landmark Tree without the consent of the property owner(s). Owners of private property may nominate a tree or tree group located on their property for Landmark Tree designation and registration in the municipal register; and in the event such trees are approved and enrolled, they shall be subject to the rules, regulations and requirements prescribed by this chapter. (Ord. No. 21-O-07, § 2, 7-8-21)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Murfreesboro City Code Chapter 32.5 creates a Landmark Tree program administered by the City Arborist. Landmark Trees are individual trees or tree groups recognized for rarity, size, age, historical association, abnormality, or scenic value. The City Arborist periodically surveys for eligible trees, and a tree or tree group can also be nominated by a municipal official, citizen, or property owner. Any tree on private property needs the owner's written consent before it can be enrolled in the municipal register. Once designated, a Landmark Tree is protected under the same chapter's rules against damage or unauthorized removal on both public and private property.
Violations & Fines
Damaging, cutting, or removing a Landmark Tree without City Arborist authorization violates Chapter 32.5, punishable under City Code § 1-8 plus liability for the City's abatement costs under Section 32.5-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate a tree on my own property as a Landmark Tree?
Can a designated Landmark Tree ever be removed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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