Tennessee’s forests are home to some truly magnificent trees, but not all of them are yours to cut down freely. Many species are protected by law, endangered, or hold special significance that makes removing them a serious legal issue.
Understanding which trees require permission before cutting can save you from hefty fines and help preserve Tennessee’s natural beauty for generations to come.
1. American Chestnut
Once covering millions of acres across Appalachia, this majestic tree nearly vanished due to blight in the early 1900s. Today, any surviving American Chestnut is incredibly rare and protected.
Cutting one down without proper authorization can result in serious penalties. Conservation groups are working hard to restore this species, making each tree precious.
If you spot one on your property, contact forestry experts before making any decisions about its fate.
2. Tennessee Yellow-eyed Grass Tree
Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t actually grass at all. Found only in specific Tennessee habitats, this rare plant is critically endangered and heavily protected by state law.
Removing or damaging one could land you in hot water with environmental authorities. Its unique yellow flowers make it easy to identify during blooming season.
Property owners must obtain special permits before any land clearing that might affect this species, so always survey your land carefully first.
3. Bald Cypress In Wetlands
Standing like ancient sentinels in Tennessee’s swamps, Bald Cypress trees are often protected when they grow in designated wetland areas. Federal and state wetland regulations make cutting these trees illegal without permits.
Their distinctive knobby roots, called knees, help them breathe in waterlogged soil. Removing them can damage entire ecosystems that wildlife depends on.
Before touching any tree near water, check with the Army Corps of Engineers and Tennessee environmental agencies first.
4. Heritage Trees On Historic Properties
Some trees have witnessed centuries of Tennessee history and are legally designated as heritage specimens. Properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places often have tree protection ordinances attached.
Removing a heritage tree without going through proper channels can violate historic preservation laws. Many communities maintain registries of significant trees worth protecting.
Check with your local historic commission before removing any large, old tree on a historic property to avoid legal complications.
5. White Oak on Public Land
Tennessee’s state tree commands special respect, especially when growing on government property. Cutting White Oaks on state parks, national forests, or other public lands is strictly prohibited without authorization.
Even on private land, some counties have ordinances protecting particularly large specimens. White Oaks provide crucial food for wildlife through their acorns.
Their strong wood and beautiful fall colors make them tempting to harvest, but always verify ownership and regulations before considering removal.
6. Eastern Hemlock
Facing threats from invasive insects, Eastern Hemlocks are now monitored closely throughout Tennessee’s mountain regions. Many are part of conservation efforts to save the species from extinction.
Removing healthy specimens without permission can interfere with these critical programs. Their evergreen needles and graceful drooping branches make them easy to identify year-round.
If you have Eastern Hemlocks on your land, forestry services may actually want to help you protect them rather than remove them.
7. Trees Within City Limits
Urban and suburban Tennessee communities often have strict tree ordinances that require permits before removal. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and other cities protect trees above certain sizes.
Violating these ordinances can result in fines up to thousands of dollars per tree. Some cities even require you to plant replacement trees.
Always contact your city’s planning or codes department before cutting any substantial tree on your property, even if you own the land outright.
8. Tulip Poplar In Conservation Easements
Growing incredibly tall and straight, Tulip Poplars are common in Tennessee but become protected when located on land with conservation easements. Property owners who signed easement agreements surrendered certain rights, including tree removal.
Breaking these agreements can result in legal action and financial penalties. Conservation easements help preserve Tennessee’s forests for future generations.
Review any easement documents carefully before planning any timber harvest or land clearing activities on your property.
9. Red Mulberry
Often confused with invasive white mulberry, native Red Mulberry trees hold ecological importance in Tennessee forests. Some areas protect them to maintain biodiversity and provide food for birds and wildlife.
Their delicious berries turn dark purple when ripe and attract numerous animal species. Removing these trees can disrupt local food chains.
Before cutting any mulberry, make sure you’ve correctly identified the species and checked whether your county has any protection measures in place for natives.
10. Trees On Utility Easements
Power companies and municipalities often maintain easements across private property for utility lines and infrastructure. Trees within these easements might seem like yours to remove, but they’re actually under utility company jurisdiction.
Cutting them without permission can interfere with maintenance schedules and violate easement terms. Sometimes the utility company wants certain trees left standing as buffers.
Contact your utility provider before removing any tree near power lines, poles, or underground infrastructure to avoid legal issues.
11. Boundary Trees Between Properties
When a tree straddles the property line between two parcels, both owners share legal ownership under Tennessee law. Cutting down a boundary tree without your neighbor’s consent is illegal and can lead to lawsuits.
Courts have awarded significant damages to property owners whose shared trees were removed without permission. Even trimming branches that cross into your yard has legal limitations.
Always discuss plans with neighbors and get written agreement before touching any tree that might be growing on the boundary line.