Tree work rules in Tennessee
What the state says about tree work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Checked September 23, 2026
Licensing
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance's Board for Licensing Contractors has S-Tree Trimming and S-Tree Light Maintenance specialty classifications. A contractor license is needed only for projects of $25,000 or more.1-2
Tree removal permits
Ask your city or county government whether removing a tree needs a permit where you live.
Trees near power lines
If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.
In Tennessee the OSHA rules are the ones that apply near power lines, through the state's TOSHA program.3
811 and stump work
Spraying and treating trees
Any firm offering custom application needs a pest control charter from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, with a licensee in Horticulture Lawn and Turf. That license requires C03 Ornamental and Turf certification and covers trees.5
Get quotes from companies in your county
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Sources
What tree work costs in Tennessee
Published national ranges for removal, trimming, stump grinding and arborist visits, and a planning estimate for your own job.
Companies in Tennessee
Tennessee has 637 tree service companies listed, and 92 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to companies near you.
Cite this page
“Tree work rules in Tennessee.” InspecTree, updated September 26, 2026. https://inspectree.com/tn/rules/