Memphis Urban Forestry: Tree Planting & Removal Rules

Land Use and Zoning Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In Memphis, Tennessee, urban forestry rules govern when property owners, contractors, and developers may plant or remove trees on public and private property. This guide summarizes the city departments responsible, typical permit pathways, enforcement mechanisms, and practical steps to comply with local tree planting and removal requirements. For official guidance start with the City of Memphis Urban Forestry division and the city code to confirm requirements for your property.[1][2]

Scope & When Rules Apply

Memphis rules often distinguish between trees in the public right-of-way, heritage or protected trees, and ordinary private trees. Work in the public right-of-way or on protected species generally requires coordination with the Urban Forestry division and may require a permit or city approval.

Contact the Urban Forestry division early for work near sidewalks or overhead utilities.

Penalties & Enforcement

The city enforcer for urban trees is the City of Memphis Urban Forestry division within Public Works, with administrative support from Code Enforcement and the Office of Planning where zoning or preservation overlays apply. Specific monetary fines and fee schedules are not specified on the cited page for general tree violations; consult the municipal code and Urban Forestry for exact amounts.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code for official penalty amounts.[2]
  • Escalation: the cited sources do not list a structured range for first vs repeat offences; enforcement may escalate to larger fines or civil action (not specified on the cited page).[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, restoration or replacement tree orders, and civil court actions are used as remedies according to enforcement practice (specific orders not itemized on the cited page).[2]
  • Enforcer & complaints: report unsafe or unauthorized removals to the Urban Forestry division via the city's contact/complaint page.[1]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes (administrative review or municipal court) and exact time limits are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the cited offices.[2]
If you receive a notice or citation, act promptly to preserve appeal rights and avoid higher penalties.

Applications & Forms

The Urban Forestry division administers permits for work in the public right-of-way and may provide forms or application instructions on the city site; a specific unified tree removal permit form or fee schedule is not published verbatim on the cited pages and therefore is not specified here.[1][2]

  • Common form name: not specified on the cited page; contact Urban Forestry for the exact application and submission method.[1]
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: typically via the City of Memphis online portal or in person to Public Works—confirm current method with Urban Forestry.[1]

Common Violations

  • Removing or damaging public right-of-way trees without approval.
  • Cutting designated or protected trees in overlay districts without permit.
  • Construction work that harms tree roots without required protection measures.

Action Steps

  • Contact Urban Forestry to confirm whether the tree is in the public right-of-way and whether a permit is required.[1]
  • If a permit is required, obtain and submit the official application and plans as instructed by the division.
  • If you receive a citation, follow the notice instructions to appeal or pay and document remediation steps.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
It depends on the tree location and species; trees in the public right-of-way or protected trees may require approval—check with Urban Forestry.[1]
Who enforces tree rules in Memphis?
The City of Memphis Urban Forestry division and Code Enforcement administer and enforce tree rules; planning staff may be involved for zoning or historic overlays.[1]
How do I report an unauthorized tree removal?
Report unauthorized or unsafe removals to the Urban Forestry complaint contact on the city site; include photos and location details.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is on private property or in the public right-of-way and document its location and condition.
  2. Contact the City of Memphis Urban Forestry division to confirm permit requirements and ask for the applicable application form.[1]
  3. Submit the required application, site plan, and any fees as instructed by the division; keep records of submission.
  4. Follow any required mitigation or replacement tree requirements if removal is authorized.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm whether a tree is in the public right-of-way before removal.
  • Contact Urban Forestry early to avoid citations and delays.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis - Urban Forestry
  2. [2] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances

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