Invasive Species Removal Rules in Memphis, TN

Environmental Protection Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee property owners and residents must know how to report invasive plants, pests or other organisms that threaten public space, private property or natural areas. This guide explains city responsibilities, how to report and arrange removal, the department roles, and practical steps to secure inspection, permits or contractor access. Use official reporting channels to start an action, and follow city code requirements when removals affect public right-of-way, trees, or regulated wetlands and drainage areas. For specific ordinance text and nuisance definitions consult the city code cited below.[1]

Use 311 for prompt routing of invasive-species complaints and site inspections.

What counts as an invasive species under city practice

Memphis treats invasive species removals as a public-health, nuisance, or environmental management matter depending on context: aggressive plants that spread into parks or rights-of-way, aquatic organisms impacting drainage, and nonnative pests affecting trees or landscapes. When removal work touches public property or the right-of-way, city permits or coordination may be required.

Who is responsible

  • City reporting and intake - 311 directs complaints to Code Enforcement, Public Works, or Urban Forestry depending on location.[2]
  • Property owner - private owners are generally responsible for control on their land and must hire licensed contractors when required.
  • Enforcement divisions - Code Compliance, Public Works, and Parks/Forestry provide inspection, orders and oversight.

Penalties & Enforcement

Relevant city code chapters treat certain invasive growths and nuisances as violations that may trigger abatement orders, contractor-initiated removals, and civil penalties; specific monetary fines and schedules are not specified on the cited city code overview page.[1]

  • Fines - exact amounts and per-day calculations: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation - typical practice includes initial notice, a compliance period, and escalating penalties or abatement if not remedied; specific first/repeat offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions - city may issue abatement orders, require removal, seize disconnected structures or materials related to nuisance, or seek civil remedies.
  • Enforcer & inspection - Code Compliance and Public Works perform inspections and issue orders; see department contact links in Resources.
  • Appeals & review - formal appeal routes to a hearing officer or municipal board may exist; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.
If the ordinance text you need is not on the city landing page, request the exact section number via 311.

Applications & Forms

Some removals that affect public trees, right-of-way, or stormwater structures may require permits from Urban Forestry or Public Works; the city does publish permit application pages and intake through department portals, but specific form numbers and fee schedules are not specified on the cited landing pages.[1]

  • Tree or right-of-way permits - check Urban Forestry or Public Works permit pages for application and submission instructions.
  • Fees - where fees apply they appear on the specific permit page; not specified on the general code overview.

Action steps to report and arrange removal

  1. Document the location and take photos; note nearby public infrastructure.
  2. File an official report via 311 (phone or online) to initiate inspection and referral to the correct division.[2]
  3. Follow the inspector's direction: obtain any required permits or hire licensed contractors if removal affects public property.
  4. Pay fees or fines if assessed; use city payment portals or follow invoice instructions.

FAQ

Who do I call to report an invasive plant on the sidewalk or parkway?
Contact 311 to report the location and request inspection; 311 routes to Code Compliance or Public Works as appropriate.[2]
Will the city remove invasive species on private property?
The city generally requires owner action for private property; the city may abate hazards or nuisances after notice under code authority if owners do not comply.
Do I need a permit to remove trees that are in the right-of-way?
Yes—removals in the public right-of-way or affecting public trees typically require a permit from Urban Forestry or Public Works.

How-To

  1. Gather photos, property description, and exact address for the affected area.
  2. Report via 311 online or by phone so the case is logged and routed.
  3. Attend the inspection if scheduled and obtain any written orders or permit instructions.
  4. Submit permit applications if required and hire contractors that follow permit conditions.
  5. Complete removal, keep records, and comply with any follow-up notices to avoid fines.

Key Takeaways

  • Report invasives through 311 to get official inspection and referral.
  • Work affecting public trees or right-of-way usually needs permits.
  • If the city enforces, abatement orders and civil remedies can follow noncompliance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances - municipal code landing and nuisance chapters
  2. [2] City of Memphis 311 - report a concern and service request intake

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