Protected trees
We could not confirm this from an official Cleveland source. Call the city to check.
Tree permits · Tennessee
Do you need a tree removal permit in Cleveland, TN?
Street trees
The city's Tree Removal page links an ordinance that amends the definition of a street tree and amends Section 20-506 of the Cleveland Municipal Code. The page also posts photos of public trees the city proposes to remove. We could not read the ordinance text, so contact the city before work on a street tree.
Dead or hazardous trees
We could not confirm this from an official Cleveland source. Call the city to check.
How to apply
Contact the City of Cleveland Forestry Arborist (listed on the city's Tree Removal page) or the City of Cleveland main line at 423-472-4551.
HOA note
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.
A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.
Official sources
Last checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check the official source before work starts. Short explanation, not legal advice. Spotted a change? See our corrections page.
For homeowners
Before a tree comes down in Cleveland
- Check the city rule above and call the city if anything is unclear.
- Ask the tree company who gets the permit and put it in the written quote.
- Get two or three written quotes from local insured pros.
- Never cut near power lines. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.
- Tree permits: what to ask
- How to hire a tree service
- Tree care in Tennessee
- Tennessee tree service rules
Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies.
Own a tree service in Cleveland?
Permit questions mean calls. Answer every one.
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, online booking and review requests, set up for tree companies. Link this page in your quotes so customers know the rules.
Cleveland tree permit questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Cleveland, TN?
We could not confirm a city tree permit rule for Cleveland. Call the city before removing a large tree. Cleveland has a city forestry arborist, and its city code Section 20-506 relates to street trees. The city posts public trees proposed for removal on its Tree Removal page. We could not confirm whether a permit is needed for trees on private land, so call the city before removing a large tree. Our confidence: low. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Can I remove or prune a street tree in front of my house in Cleveland?
The city's Tree Removal page links an ordinance that amends the definition of a street tree and amends Section 20-506 of the Cleveland Municipal Code. The page also posts photos of public trees the city proposes to remove. We could not read the ordinance text, so contact the city before work on a street tree.
How do I apply for a tree permit in Cleveland?
Contact the City of Cleveland Forestry Arborist (listed on the city's Tree Removal page) or the City of Cleveland main line at 423-472-4551.
Do HOA rules matter for tree removal in Cleveland?
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.
What should I have ready before I call the city?
Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.
Will the tree company get the permit for me?
Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.
Is this page legal advice?
No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.
How current is this Cleveland information?
We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.
Can county or state rules apply in Cleveland too?
Yes, they can. County rules, state rules for things like wetlands or protected species, and utility rules near power lines can apply on top of city rules. If your property is outside city limits, the county rules usually apply instead. Ask the city or county office.
Does Lirevon do tree work in Cleveland?
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.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.