Invasive Species Permits - New South Memphis, TN

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

New South Memphis, Tennessee landowners frequently confront invasive plants that harm trees, soil stability, and native habitats. This guide explains when permits or approvals may apply, who enforces local rules, how to report infestations, and practical, lawful steps for removal and restoration in New South Memphis, Tennessee.

When permits are required

Permit requirements depend on whether removal affects public rights-of-way, street trees, protected species, wetlands, or regulated waterways. The city code and Public Works/Forestry guidance are the starting points for specific limits and approvals[1][2].

If removal involves large trees or the public right-of-way, contact Forestry before work begins.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement authority for vegetation, nuisance plants, and tree removal in New South Memphis is exercised through municipal code enforcement units and Public Works/Forestry. Specific fines and penalty tables are not consistently itemized on the cited municipal pages; where amounts or escalation rules are not shown on the official page, this text notes that fact and points to the controlling pages for enforcement procedures[1][2].

  • Fines: exact dollar amounts and per-day rates are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, abatement at owner expense, lien placement, and court actions are listed as possible enforcement outcomes in municipal practice, though specific procedures and timelines are not fully detailed on the cited pages.
  • Enforcer: City Code Enforcement and the Public Works/Forestry division handle inspections, complaints, and enforcement actions[2].
  • Inspection & complaint pathway: use the official complaint/contact pages of the city departments for reporting; see Help and Support / Resources below.
  • Appeals & review: specific appeal procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited municipal pages; in practice appeals follow municipal code procedures for code enforcement orders.
  • Defences & discretion: permits, variances, reasonable-excuse defenses, and emergency removals may apply; availability is case-specific and not fully described on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The city processes tree, right-of-way, and related permits through Public Works/Forestry or permitting divisions. A specific invasive-species removal permit form is not published on the cited municipal pages; applicants should contact the listed offices for the correct application, fee schedule, and submission method[2].

  • If you plan to remove trees in the city right-of-way, request guidance and any required permit from Public Works/Forestry.
  • Fees: fee amounts for permits are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the permitting office.

Action steps:

  • Contact Public Works/Forestry to confirm whether a permit is required before removal.
  • Obtain and complete any required permit or right-of-way application if the work affects public trees or infrastructure.
  • Pay assessed fees and schedule an inspection if required.
  • Comply with disposal requirements for removed plant material, especially if it carries pests or regulated invasive species.

Common violations

  • Removing or trimming street trees without approval.
  • Failing to abate noxious or nuisance vegetation on a property when ordered.
  • Work in wetlands, buffers, or waterways without required permits from city or state agencies.
Document removals and disposal to reduce challenge at inspection or appeal.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove invasive plants on private property?
Generally no for small-scale removals on private land, but if work affects street trees, public right-of-way, wetlands, or protected species you may need approval; contact Public Works/Forestry to confirm.[2]
How do I report invasive species or an unpermitted removal?
Report through the City Code Enforcement or Public Works complaint pages listed in Help and Support / Resources below.
Will the city remove invasive species on my neighbor's land?
Removal by the city is typically limited to public property or parcels under abatement orders; private property actions follow code enforcement procedures and may result in abatement at the owner’s expense.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the plants or work affect the public right-of-way or protected resources.
  2. Contact Public Works/Forestry with site details, photos, and property location for guidance and permit requirements.
  3. If a permit is required, complete the application, pay fees, and schedule any required inspections.
  4. Perform removal following the permit conditions, document methods and disposal, and request final inspection if required.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact city Forestry before removing large trees or working in the right-of-way.
  • Permits and fees may apply for public trees, right-of-way work, wetlands, or protected areas.
  • Use official complaint and permitting contacts to avoid fines or abatement orders.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances (Municipal code)
  2. [2] City of Memphis Public Works - Forestry division

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