Report Invasive Species - Nashville City Bylaws

Environmental Protection Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee residents who spot invasive plants or pests on public land or private property should know how to report removal needs and what municipal rules may apply. This guide explains where to report, which Metro office enforces invasive-species or vegetation nuisances, the practical steps to document a concern, and what enforcement or permits may follow. Use the steps below to file a request, preserve evidence, and track follow-up from Metro staff.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for invasive plant removal, vegetation nuisances, and related public-health or property issues typically falls to Metro Codes/Code Enforcement and, for parks or rights-of-way, Metro Parks or Public Works. Specific penalty amounts for invasive-species violations are not specified on the cited municipal code summary pages referenced below [1]. Enforcement can include abatement orders, notices to remove vegetation, administrative citations, and referral to civil court; the exact civil or criminal penalty language and amounts are set in the municipal code or related enforcement orders [1].

If you report an invasive species, document date, location, and photos before removal.
  • Enforcer: Metro Nashville Codes (Code Enforcement) for property nuisances; Metro Parks or Public Works for public parks and rights-of-way.
  • Complaint pathway: file a service request through Nashville 311 to initiate inspection and response [2].
  • Inspection: Codes staff or park stewards will inspect reported sites and issue notices if the vegetation meets nuisance criteria.
  • Appeals: appeal procedures and time limits are described in the municipal code and administrative citation instructions; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page [1].

Applications & Forms

To request an inspection or removal, residents generally use the Nashville 311 service request system. For permitted removal work in protected areas or for tree removals, separate permit applications may apply; check the municipal code or Metro Parks permit pages for forms and fees [1]. If no specific removal form is required, use the 311 request and attach photos and exact location coordinates [2].

Removal on private property may still require permits if trees are protected or the work affects the public right-of-way.

How to Report Invasive Species (Action Steps)

Follow these practical steps to report an invasive species concern in Nashville and support effective municipal response.

  1. Identify and document: take clear photos, note exact address or GPS coordinates, and note when you first observed the issue.
  2. File a service request via Nashville 311 and include photos and location details to start an official inspection [2].
  3. Keep records: save the 311 request number, correspondence, and any inspection notices you receive from Metro staff.
  4. If you receive an order to abate, follow the timeline in the notice or contact the issuing department to request clarification or an appeal.

Common Violations

  • Uncontrolled invasive vegetation extending into sidewalks or streets from private property.
  • Invasive plants overrunning public park areas or natural areas without active management.
  • Unauthorized removal or chemical treatment of regulated trees or vegetation in protected zones.
Metro may require permits for removals that affect protected trees or park habitats.

FAQ

How do I report an invasive plant I found in my neighborhood?
Document the plant with photos and file a Nashville 311 service request with location details and photos; the request initiates inspection and any enforcement actions [2].
Will Metro remove invasive plants on private property?
Metro typically issues abatement notices but may not remove plants on private property without owner permission; specific removal responsibilities are in the municipal code [1].
Are there fines for failing to remove invasive species?
Specific fine amounts and escalating penalties are not specified on the cited municipal summary pages and must be confirmed in the municipal code or citation notice [1].

How-To

  1. Take clear photos and note location details.
  2. Submit a Nashville 311 service request and attach photos.
  3. Save your request number and follow up if you do not receive a response within the department timeframe.
  4. If issued an abatement order, comply or submit an appeal according to the notice instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Report invasive plants promptly with photos and precise location.
  • Use Nashville 311 to start official inspection and enforcement.
  • Permits may be required for removals affecting protected trees or park land.

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