What to Know About Tree Removal Permits

Who Needs a Tree Removal Permit in Nashville?

Urban areas are defined by dense development, and urban forestry seeks to maintain trees in the built environment. Since most urban areas are covered by concrete, asphalt or buildings, space for trees to grow is a scarce commodity. For this reason, a tree removal permit is required in some instances by the Metro Nashville Codes Department. 

When a commercial or multi-family developer seeks to cut down trees for a construction project, or when a business wishes to remove a tree from a commercially zoned property, they are required to obtain such a permit. The requirement does not apply to single-family or duplex residences. However, even if you’re a business owner, many Nashvillians aren’t aware that such a tree removal permit exists. Knowing about the requirement can help residents recognize when a construction project looks like it’s removing more trees than it should and what we as a community can do about it.

The Purpose of Permits

Permits put standards in place to maintain the quality of life in the area, in this case regarding the presence of trees in mostly commercial, urban areas. However, even when these permits are required, developers often cut corners and go ahead with tree removal for the sake of construction speed. Regulations are made to protect residents from unscrupulous development and to maintain a healthy public space. Unfortunately, Nashville’s tree protection laws are not up to speed with other cities in Tennessee, and the tree removal requirements are loosely enforced, and penalties are almost non-existent. Without consequences, tree removal will continue, and the Nashville tree canopy will suffer.

Tree Removal Permit Application and Procedure 

Municipal ordinance 17.40.470, Tree Removal Permit Procedures, specifies that any person who desires a tree removal permit must submit an application to Nashville’s urban forester, including a survey of the parcel. The survey should show the location and label the trees and plants on the property, as well as identify which are targeted for removal. An expected final site survey should accompany the application, as well as the plans for disposal of the tree. The urban forester may have to inspect the site before approval.

To be approved for a removal permit, the individual requesting must demonstrate the reason for removal, which may be that:

• The tree must be removed to use the site for the intended purpose

• The tree’s location may endanger safety to existing or proposed buildings

• The tree interferes with installation of infrastructure that has no feasible relocation alternative

• The tree poses a danger to individuals

• The tree is sick, weak, or a danger to people and/or property by its condition

Applications are reviewed by the urban forester and become void if the activity doesn’t take place within six months of the permit’s grant, or if unapproved activity deviates from the submitted plan. If the area is unable to support a replacement planting, either from being too small or the soil being unsupportive, the applicant may contribute an amount of money to Metro’s Tree Bank that is determined by the urban forester. The Tree Bank is a fund set up to receive money from owners or developers who are unable to successfully plant and maintain trees on their site and use that money to plant and maintain public trees.

Homeowners and Maintaining the Community Canopy

Even though this permit requirement doesn’t apply to single-family or duplex properties, most green space and trees in urban areas are on residential land. Homeowners can contribute to the community canopy by working with a certified arborist, who will follow established best practices to make sure your trees are in good health, and when they’re not, to safely remove them and advise on replanting. Registering your mature trees with the Historic and Specimen Trees Program is another great way to help preserve our neighborhoods’ canopy cover. This sets a requirement for permission from the Metro Tree Advisory Committee to remove a registered tree. Attending community meetings and saying something when you see something are other ways we can all participate in the good stewardship of Nashville’s trees!

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