Do I Need a Permit to Cut a Tree in Nashville? (2026 Guide)

Nashville’s Metro Code requires a tree removal permit for any tree with a trunk diameter of 8 inches or greater (measured at 4.5 feet above grade) on certain protected lots — and violating these rules can result in fines of $500 to $5,000 per tree. Before you cut down that oak in your backyard or hire a crew to clear your lot, here is exactly what you need to know about Nashville’s tree permit requirements in 2026.

Nashville Tree Permit Rules: What the Metro Code Actually Says

Nashville’s tree regulations fall under the Metro Nashville-Davidson County Zoning Code and the Urban Forestry Division. The rules vary depending on where you live, the zoning classification of your property, and the size of the tree. Here is a breakdown of the key situations where a permit is required:

Protected Tree Sizes

Metro Nashville defines a “significant tree” as one with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 8 inches or more. In many residential and commercial zones, removing a significant tree without a permit is prohibited. Homeowners in areas like Belle Meade, Green Hills, and Brentwood are especially likely to encounter protected tree rules because those neighborhoods contain large, mature canopies that fall under additional municipal oversight.

Subdivision and Planned Unit Developments

If your property is part of a subdivision or planned unit development (PUD), additional tree preservation requirements likely apply. Many newer developments in Hermitage, Antioch, and Donelson were built with preservation covenants that restrict the removal of trees even on private property. Check your deed restrictions and HOA rules in addition to Metro Code before proceeding.

Trees in the Right-of-Way

Any tree located in the public right-of-way — the strip of land between your sidewalk and the street — is owned by the city, not you. You cannot remove, prune, or damage these trees without express written permission from Metro Nashville’s Urban Forestry Division. Attempting to cut a right-of-way tree without authorization can result in fines and mandatory replanting requirements at your expense.

Floodplain and Critical Riparian Areas

Properties near creeks, rivers, or floodplain zones — common in areas like Madison and Franklin — face stricter tree removal rules. The Metro Stormwater program protects vegetation in riparian buffers, and removing trees in these zones almost always requires a permit and sometimes an environmental review.

When You Do NOT Need a Permit in Nashville

Not every tree removal in Nashville requires jumping through regulatory hoops. Here are the most common situations where you can legally remove a tree without a permit:

• Trees under 8 inches DBH on most standard single-family residential lots
• Dead or diseased trees that pose an imminent safety hazard (documentation is recommended)
• Trees on agricultural property zoned outside urban growth boundaries
• Emergency removals after storm damage — though you should notify Metro within a reasonable timeframe

Even when a permit is not legally required, it is always good practice to consult with a certified arborist before removing a large tree. A professional from a trusted Nashville tree service can assess whether the removal is necessary, advise on alternatives like crown reduction, and ensure the work is done safely.

How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit in Nashville

Applying for a tree permit in Nashville involves the following steps:

1. Contact Metro Nashville’s Urban Forestry Division at (615) 862-8750 or visit their office at 800 Second Avenue South.
2. Submit a completed tree removal permit application, available on the Metro Nashville government website.
3. Provide a site plan showing the location, species, and size (DBH) of the tree(s) to be removed.
4. Include a written justification explaining why the tree needs to be removed — disease, structural failure, construction clearance, etc.
5. Pay the applicable permit fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $250 depending on the number of trees and the complexity of the application.

Permit review typically takes 5 to 15 business days. In some cases, a site visit from a Metro arborist may be required before approval is granted. If your removal involves mitigation (replanting requirements), you may need to plant replacement trees on-site or pay into a tree canopy fund.

What Happens If You Remove a Tree Without a Permit?

Cutting down a protected tree in Nashville without the proper permit is treated as a civil violation. Consequences can include:

• Fines of $500 to $5,000 per tree removed without authorization
• Mandatory replanting orders requiring you to plant replacement trees at your own cost
• Stop-work orders on any ongoing construction or development projects on the property
• Liens on your property if fines go unpaid

Neighbors and city inspectors do report unpermitted tree removals, particularly in established neighborhoods like Green Hills and Belle Meade where canopy preservation is taken seriously. The risk is simply not worth it.

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Nashville?

Permit costs are only part of the equation. The actual tree removal in Nashville typically ranges as follows in 2026:

• Small trees (under 30 feet): $250 – $600
• Medium trees (30–60 feet): $600 – $1,200
• Large trees (60–80 feet): $1,200 – $2,000
• Very large or hazardous trees (80+ feet): $2,000 – $4,500+

These prices can vary based on the tree’s location, proximity to structures, ease of access, and whether stump removal is included. If you want the stump ground down after removal, budget an additional $150 to $450 depending on the stump’s diameter. You can learn more about that process on our stump removal page.

Properties in Franklin and Brentwood sometimes see higher quotes due to the larger trees common in those areas, while more urban settings in Antioch and Donelson may have lower-cost removals due to smaller lot sizes and younger tree stock.

Why Hiring a Certified Arborist Matters

Nashville’s Urban Forestry Division recommends — and in some cases requires — that tree work be performed by or supervised by a ISA-certified arborist. Hiring a certified professional protects you in several ways. Certified arborists understand local regulations, can identify whether a permit is needed, and carry the appropriate insurance to protect your property during removal.

According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), proper tree care and removal by qualified professionals reduces the risk of property damage and personal injury significantly compared to DIY or unqualified crews. Always ask any tree service company for proof of ISA certification and liability insurance before work begins.

At TreeDone, all of our lead arborists are ISA-certified and fully insured. We serve homeowners and commercial property owners across Nashville, including neighborhoods like Green Hills, Madison, Hermitage, Belle Meade, and Donelson. Our team handles the permit research process for you — we will tell you upfront whether your removal requires Metro approval and help you navigate the application if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my own property in Nashville?

It depends on the size of the tree and your zoning. Trees with a trunk diameter of 8 inches or more (measured at 4.5 feet above the ground) often require a permit in Nashville’s residential and commercial zones. Trees in right-of-ways, floodplains, or protected subdivisions have additional restrictions. When in doubt, contact Metro Nashville’s Urban Forestry Division or consult a certified arborist before proceeding.

How much does a tree removal permit cost in Nashville?

Tree removal permit fees in Nashville typically range from $50 to $250, depending on the number of trees and the complexity of the application. Some projects may also require a replanting mitigation fee or a contribution to the city’s tree canopy fund if replacement trees cannot be planted on-site.

What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in Nashville?

Removing a protected tree without a permit in Nashville can result in fines of $500 to $5,000 per tree. You may also be required to replant replacement trees at your own expense and could face stop-work orders on related construction projects.

Can I trim or prune a tree without a permit in Nashville?

Minor pruning of trees on your private property generally does not require a permit. However, trimming trees in the public right-of-way or removing more than 25% of a significant tree’s canopy may trigger permit requirements. Professional tree trimming by a certified arborist ensures the work is done within Metro guidelines.

How long does it take to get a tree removal permit in Nashville?

The standard review period for a tree removal permit in Nashville is 5 to 15 business days. If a site inspection by a Metro arborist is required, the process can take longer. Emergency removals due to storm damage or imminent hazard may be expedited — contact Metro Nashville’s Urban Forestry Division directly for urgent situations.