Brentwood, TN City Codes: Rules for Cutting Down Large Trees

Key Takeaways:

• Permit Necessity: Brentwood requires permits for removing trees above a certain size, particularly in specific land-use zones or steep slope areas.
• Heritage Tree Protection: Large trees of specific species and diameters are protected by city ordinance to preserve the local Green Hills aesthetic.
• Property Lines and Buffers: Trees located in buffer strips or designated open spaces often have stricter removal regulations than those in the middle of a yard.
• The 10-Foot Rule: Removal of healthy trees within 10 feet of a property line may require additional scrutiny from the city planning department.
• Arborist Certification: Brentwood often requires a letter from an ISA Certified Arborist to justify the removal of a large tree based on health or safety.

Brentwood, Tennessee, is famous for its rolling hills and its dense, magnificent tree canopy. Because the city places a high value on its park-like atmosphere, the local government has some of the most robust tree protection ordinances in Middle Tennessee. If you are a homeowner in Brentwood looking to cut down a large tree in 2026, you cannot simply pick up a chainsaw and begin.

Brentwood city codes require a permit for removing large trees if they are located in protected buffers, part of a Heritage designation, or if the removal involves more than a specific number of trees on a residential lot. Navigating these rules requires a blend of legal understanding and arboricultural expertise. 

Here is the breakdown of what you need to know before you schedule a removal.

1. The Brentwood Tree Protection Ordinance

The City of Brentwood operates under a strict Tree Protection Ordinance designed to maintain the city’s canopy cover. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about erosion control on our steep slopes and maintaining property values.

When Do You Need a Permit?

For most residential properties, a permit is required if:

• The tree is located within a designated buffer strip or landscape easement.
• The tree is considered a Heritage Tree (a specific species over a certain diameter).
• You are clearing a significant area of woodland (even on private property).
• The tree was a required planting as part of the original subdivision’s site plan.

If the tree is dead, dying, or poses an immediate hazard to a structure, the city typically grants permission quickly, but you must still provide proof of the hazard, usually in the form of a report from a Certified Arborist.

2. Understanding Heritage Trees in Brentwood

Brentwood protects specific trees that have reached a certain maturity. While the exact diameter can vary based on the species, any hardwood (like an Oak, Maple, or Hickory) with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater is often subject to additional review.

If you wish to remove a healthy Heritage Tree simply because it blocks the view or drops leaves, the city may deny the permit or require you to plant replacement trees to offset the loss of the canopy.

3. The Role of Steep Slopes and Buffers

Much of Brentwood is built on hillsides. Removing large trees on steep slopes can lead to significant soil erosion and drainage issues for neighbors.

• Buffer Strips: Many neighborhoods have no-disturb zones at the edge of the property. Trees in these areas are often protected by the HOA and the City.
• Hillside Protection: If your property has a slope of 15% or greater, removing large trees may require an erosion control plan to ensure that the removal doesn’t destabilize the hillside.

4. Why Professional Guidance is Essential

Because Brentwood’s codes are so specific, self-help tree removal can lead to heavy fines, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars per tree. Furthermore, the city often requires an ISA Certified Arborist to verify that a tree is actually a hazard before allowing its removal. A professional can help you navigate the paperwork, take the necessary measurements, and provide the city with the documentation they need to approve your permit.

When navigating the complex tree codes of Brentwood, you need a partner who values preservation as much as the city does. The Good Tree Company is Nashville’s leading tree preservation firm, bringing nearly 30 years of combined experience to your property. Founded by Nathan Chambers and Casey Johnson, a Purdue Forestry graduate and Certified Arborist, we specialize in low-impact tree removal, tree pruning & trimming, emergency service & storm damage clean up, shrub removal/trimming, stump grinding/removal, arborist services, tree support systems/cabling & bracing, land clearing/forestry mulching, tree crane service, tree planting, and commercial or residential, and Consultations.

The Good Tree Company is licensed, insured, and veteran-supportive. As a locally-owned and operated company with an A+ BBB rating, we prioritize the health of Middle Tennessee’s landscape while ensuring your project remains fully compliant with local ordinances. Whether you need an expert assessment to satisfy city permit requirements or a safe, professional removal of a large hazardous oak, our team provides the honest, reliable service you deserve. Call us at – (615) 795-3179. 

Frequently Asked Questions by Homeowners in Brentwood, TN 

1. Does Brentwood, TN require a permit for all tree removals?

No. Generally, removing a small, non-heritage tree in the middle of your yard that is not in a buffer zone does not require a permit. However, it is always best to check with the Planning Department first.

2. What is the penalty for cutting down a protected tree without a permit in Brentwood, TN?

Fines vary but can be substantial. Additionally, the city may require you to pay for and plant several large-caliber replacement trees to restore the lost canopy.

3. Can my HOA override Brentwood City Codes?

No. While an HOA can be stricter than the city, it cannot allow you to do something the city forbids. You must satisfy both the city code and your neighborhood’s covenants.

4. How do I measure a tree’s DBH (Diameter at Breast Height)?

Measure the circumference of the tree 4.5 feet above the ground, then divide that number by 3.14 (Pi) to get the diameter.

5. What if a large tree falls during a storm in Brentwood, TN?

In an emergency, safety comes first. Remove the hazard, but take photos of the tree’s condition (especially any rot or decay) to show the city and your insurance adjuster later.

6. Does Brentwood, TN, provide tree removal services?

No. The City of Brentwood only maintains trees on public property and within the right-of-way. Maintenance of trees on private property is the homeowner’s responsibility.

7. Can I remove a tree if the roots are damaging my driveway in Brentwood, TN?

Usually, yes, but the city may still require a permit if the tree is a Heritage Tree. An arborist can often suggest root pruning or cabling to save the tree while protecting your hardscaping.

8. Does The Good Tree Company help with the permit process in Brentwood, TN?

Yes. Our arborists are familiar with Brentwood’s requirements and can provide the professional assessments often required by the city for permit approval.

Summary Checklist: Brentwood Tree Removal Steps

Final Advice

In a community like Brentwood, tree removal is far more than just a line item on your property maintenance list; it is a critical investment in the structural integrity of your home and the safety of your family. As we have seen throughout 2026, the cost of proactive care is consistently lower than the high price of reacting to a disaster or paying municipal fines. When a tree fails during a Middle Tennessee storm, you aren’t just paying for removal; you’re often dealing with roof repairs, fence damage, and the massive spike in emergency service rates that come when demand is high and crews are stretched thin across the county.

Our best advice is to never wait for the big storm to decide for you. By scheduling an inspection during a calm season, you allow an arborist to use precise rigging and low-impact equipment that can save you money on landscaping repairs. Furthermore, always prioritize value over the lowest sticker price. A low-ball quote often indicates a lack of proper insurance or safety training, which leaves you, the homeowner, 100% liable for any accidents that occur on your property. In 2026, with property values in Brentwood at an all-time high, the risk of hiring an uncertified guy with a chainsaw is simply not worth the potential for a catastrophic insurance claim or a city code violation. Investing in a professional, fully insured team ensures that the job is done according to national safety standards and that your property is left clean and secure. 

For an honest, detailed assessment and a competitive quote from a team that knows these hills, call The Good Tree Company at (615) 795-3179. We provide the technical skill and integrity needed to protect your landscape.