Planting Trees in the Public Right of Way

Community and non-profit organizations, and individuals can request permission to plant trees in the public right-of-way (ROW). Funds from the Metro Tree Bank may be available for this purpose.

A general rule of thumb, the planting right-of-way is

• The grass strip between the sidewalk and the street.
• If there is not a sidewalk, the right of way is from rectangular water meter box in the yard to the street.
• Medians in the middle of the street or intersection.

Approval Process

All requests for planting trees in the public ROW must be evaluated and approved by Metro Water Services (MWS) and the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT).

Planting considerations:

• Trees must be selected from the Metro Tree Advisory Committee Recommended and Prohibited Trees List
• Trees must be 2” caliper and 6’ feet tall on average when planted
• No raised planter box or anything that impedes the free flow of water.
• A tree care plan is required, including at least two years of watering during the growing season and a corrective pruning after year two.
• Avoid potential hazards
  • Avoid underground utilities. Call 811 or 800-351-1111 or fill out an online request to have underground utilities marked. This is a free service.
  • No tree planting of any type within ten (10) feet of a drain inlet, fire hydrant, overhead powerlines, utility box, or streetlight.
  • The tree’s mature height must be ten (10) feet from overhead powerlines.
  • Do not block driveway sight lines; consider the mature height and spread of the planting.
  • Do not block signs; consider the mature height and spread of the planting.
  • Trees need to be planted with a 25’ clearance of an intersection.
  • Shrubs can be no higher than 30” at maturity to avoid blocking sight lines.