Nashville Street Tree Ordinance: Planting & Maintenance

Land Use and Zoning Tennessee 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee requires permits and standards for trees in the public right-of-way to protect safety, utilities, and the urban canopy. This guide summarizes who enforces street-tree rules, how planting and maintenance are regulated, typical permit steps, and where to find official forms and appeals. It cites Metro departments and the municipal code so property owners, contractors, and neighborhood groups can follow the city process and avoid penalties.

Scope and Who Regulates Street Trees

Street trees in Nashville are managed by Metro departments responsible for right-of-way, urban forestry, and planning. Planting, trimming, removal, and protections in the public right-of-way typically require coordination with Metro Public Works and the city urban forestry program Metro Public Works - Urban Forestry[1]. The municipal code contains local ordinances governing trees and vegetation; consult the Metro Code for exact legal text Metro Code of Ordinances[2].

Do not prune or remove trees in the public right-of-way without checking Metro requirements.

Key Planting & Maintenance Requirements

Requirements vary by location (residential street, arterial, historic district) and by whether the tree sits in the public right-of-way or on private property. Typical controls include approved species lists, planting distances from curbs, sidewalks, utilities, and minimum planting standards for root wells and staking. For work that affects the right-of-way, a right-of-way permit or similar authorization is required from Public Works Right-of-Way Permits[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the designated Metro department(s) named in the municipal code and by Metro Public Works/Urban Forestry for right-of-way trees. Official pages may list procedures for inspections and complaint intake; where the cited page does not publish penalty figures, this guide notes that fact below.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for all specific dollar amounts; consult the Metro Code for exact figures and ranges.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are set in the code; specific progressive fine levels are not specified on the cited summary pages.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement can include stop-work orders, removal or replacement orders, restoration mandates, referral to court, and injunctive relief as provided in ordinance language.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Metro Public Works - Urban Forestry handles right-of-way tree actions; file complaints or service requests via the department contact page or the Public Works permits/contact pages.[1]
  • Appeals and review: the code specifies appeal routes and timelines; if not stated on the department summary page, the municipal code or permit decision letter will state the exact time limits ("not specified on the cited page").[2]
If you receive a notice, follow the stated corrective steps promptly and note any appeal deadline in the notice.

Applications & Forms

Permitting for work in the right-of-way generally requires submitting a right-of-way or excavation permit application to Metro Public Works. The department posts permitting instructions and contact details on its permits page; specific form names, numbers, and current fee amounts may be listed there or on the municipal code/permitting portal.[3]

  • Name/Number: check the Public Works permits page for the current "Right-of-Way Permit" application name and form.
  • Fees: fee schedules are published on the permits page or in the permit application; if not on the summary page, the fee is "not specified on the cited page".[3]
  • Submission: most applications are submitted online or brought to the Public Works office per the permits instructions.
Always request written confirmation of permit approval before starting work in the right-of-way.

Common Violations

  • Removing or pruning a public right-of-way tree without a permit.
  • Improper planting too close to sidewalks or utilities.
  • Failure to follow mitigation or replacement orders after removal.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is in the public right-of-way or entirely on private property.
  2. Contact Metro Public Works - Urban Forestry to confirm requirements and species lists.[1]
  3. Complete the right-of-way permit application and attach a site plan showing tree location and proposed work.[3]
  4. Pay any permit fee listed on the permit portal and schedule inspections as required.
  5. After work, request final inspection and retain all permit records and receipts.
Document tree condition with photos before work to support permit or appeal records.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a street tree?
Yes for trees in the public right-of-way; contact Metro Public Works - Urban Forestry to confirm and obtain a permit if required.[1]
Who pays for replacement when a right-of-way tree is removed?
Replacement obligations depend on the permit decision or ordinance; check the permit terms or municipal code for replacement requirements.[2]
How do I report a damaged or hazardous street tree?
Report dangerous or fallen trees to Metro Public Works via the urban forestry contact or the city's service request channels.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify whether a tree is in the public right-of-way before pruning or removal.
  • Most right-of-way work requires a permit from Metro Public Works.
  • Contact Urban Forestry early to avoid enforcement actions or delays.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Metro Public Works - Urban Forestry
  2. [2] Metro Code of Ordinances
  3. [3] Public Works Permits and Right-of-Way

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