Tree care · Southeast
Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate across most of the state, with cooler weather in the east Tennessee mountains. Hardwood forests of oak, hickory, maple and tulip poplar surround many neighborhoods. Spring storms and winter ice are the main reasons trees come down.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Quercus alba
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus rubra
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer rubrum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesLiriodendron tulipifera
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesLiquidambar styraciflua
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesCarya ovata
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesJuniperus virginiana
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesCornus florida
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesCercis canadensis
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesMagnolia grandiflora
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus virginiana
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesTsuga canadensis
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are most common from March to May. Ice storms can bring down limbs and power lines from December to February.
Main storm months: March to May for tornadoes and severe storms; December to February for ice
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Late fall through winter is a good time to prune many trees, and the branch structure is easier to see. Spring-flowering trees such as dogwood and redbud are often pruned right after they bloom.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Some Tennessee cities require a permit to remove protected or heritage trees. Many cities have tree ordinances, so check your city before work starts. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Tennessee, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
No state tree license found
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Tennessee. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. See the Tennessee state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Tennessee?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
Nearby states
For tree service owners
Oaks, hickories, red maple, tulip poplar, sweetgum and eastern red cedar are common across the state. Dogwood and redbud are popular yard trees, and Virginia pine and eastern hemlock grow in the hills.
Tornadoes and severe storms are most common from March to May. Ice storms can cause trouble from December to February.
Some cities require a permit for protected or heritage trees. Rules differ by city, so check yours before work starts. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
We could not find a state license just for tree work. Applying pesticides for a fee is regulated by the state. Check our Tennessee tree service license page and your city.
Yes. Ash, hemlock, walnut and pine trees can have serious pest problems. Ask an arborist or your extension office which ones are near you.
Late fall through winter works well for many trees. Prune spring-flowering trees such as dogwood and redbud right after they bloom.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.