Murfreesboro, TN Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum setback
- 12 ft from travel lane
- Applies to
- Arterial/collector, 40+ mph
- Permit required
- Yes, from City Arborist
- Drainage ditches
- No planting allowed
Summary
Any tree planted in Murfreesboro's public right-of-way along a major arterial or collector street posted above 40 mph must sit at least 12 feet back from the travel lane, under the City Arborist's planting rules.
No tree shall be planted within 12 ft. of the traveled portion of any major arterial or collector street with a speed limit greater than 40 miles per hour. Where existing tree distances outside curbs or edges of travel lanes have been established, replacement trees may be allowed to conform with those established set-back distances.
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
Section 32.5-6(B)(4) sets the planting setback for trees going into Murfreesboro's public rights-of-way: no tree may be planted within 12 feet of the traveled portion of a major arterial or collector street posted above 40 mph. Where existing street trees already sit closer, replacements may match that established line, and exceptions are reviewed case by case. Planting anywhere in the right-of-way, including this setback, requires a City Arborist permit, and nothing may be planted in a City drainage ditch at all.
Violations & Fines
Planting in violation of the setback lets the City remove the tree and bill the owner for removal costs plus a 20% administrative fee, collectible as a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to the road can I plant a tree in Murfreesboro's right-of-way?
What if my tree violates the planting setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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