Nashville Tree Removal Permits & Urban Forestry Rules

Land Use and Zoning Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee property owners must follow municipal rules for tree removal on private and public-adjacent land. This guide summarizes the Metro code framework, who enforces tree protections, permit pathways, common violations, and practical steps to apply, appeal, or report unlawful removals. Consult the Metro Code of Ordinances for legal text and the Metro Public Works Urban Forestry pages for program details and contact information. Metro Code of Ordinances[1]

Overview of Rules

Metro Nashville regulates tree removal through municipal ordinances and enforcement by city departments. Regulations can vary for protected species, trees in historic districts, and trees affecting public rights-of-way. Permits or prior authorization are commonly required for removal of significant trees or trees on public property.

Always check the official Metro titles before removing large or protected trees.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Metro Public Works Urban Forestry and related codes or permitting offices. Specific monetary fines, escalation steps, and deadlines are not consistently summarized on a single official page; where amounts or time limits are not stated on the cited page the text below notes that fact and links to the official source for verification.

  • Enforcer: Metro Public Works - Urban Forestry (primary), with support from Codes/Permits divisions for violations and notices.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the Metro Code of Ordinances for statutory penalty language and any tiered fines or civil penalties.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are described in municipal code; specific ranges or per-day assessments are not specified on the cited summary page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or restoration orders, mandatory replanting, or court action may be used depending on ordinance language; specific remedies should be confirmed in the code.
  • Inspection & complaints: report suspected illegal removals or unsafe conditions to Metro Public Works Urban Forestry via the department contact and reporting channels listed on the official site.Metro Public Works - Urban Forestry[2]
If a fine amount or appeal deadline is critical for your case, obtain the specific code section and recent updates from the official ordinance pages.

Applications & Forms

Tree removal permits, if required, are administered by Metro Public Works Urban Forestry or the Codes/Permits office. The official department pages list application processes; fees and exact form names or numbers are not consolidated on a single page and may be indicated on the departmental permit subpages.[2]

  • Common application: Tree Removal Permit (name may vary by project type); check the Urban Forestry permit page for the current form and submission method.[2]
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; see department permit details for current fee schedules.
  • Deadlines: timelines for review, emergency removals, and appeals are governed by ordinance or departmental rule; specific time limits are not summarized on the cited pages.
  • Submission: online or in-person filing with Metro Public Works or Codes/Permits as directed on the official pages.

Common Violations

  • Removing protected or significant trees without a required permit.
  • Failing to follow required mitigation, replacement, or replanting orders.
  • Performing removals in public rights-of-way without city authorization.
Document tree condition and permits before and after removal to reduce disputes.

Applications: Action Steps

  • Identify whether the tree is on private property, public right-of-way, or in a historic district.
  • Contact Metro Public Works Urban Forestry to confirm permit requirements and schedule any inspection.
  • Obtain the required permit and pay fees if applicable; retain proof of authorization on site during work.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
No. Permit requirements depend on tree size, species, location, and local protections; confirm with Metro Public Works Urban Forestry or the Metro Code.[2]
Who inspects tree removals and enforces violations?
Metro Public Works Urban Forestry is the primary enforcing entity; Codes and Permits staff may issue notices and orders as authorized by the municipal code.[2]
How do I report an illegal tree removal?
Report through Metro Public Works Urban Forestry contact channels or the city non-emergency reporting system; include photos, address, and any contractor information.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the tree is covered by ordinance protections by consulting the Metro Code and Urban Forestry resources.
  2. Contact Metro Public Works Urban Forestry for an advisory inspection or to request permit guidance.
  3. If a permit is required, complete and submit the official application and any required plans or arborist reports.
  4. If you believe a removal was wrongly denied or a notice improperly issued, follow the appeal procedures described in the municipal code and contact the permitting office for timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Permits and protections vary by tree and location—check official Metro resources before work.
  • Metro Public Works Urban Forestry is the main contact for permits, inspections, and reporting.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Metro Code of Ordinances - Nashville, TN
  2. [2] Metro Public Works - Urban Forestry

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