Tennessee’s forests are home to some truly magnificent trees, but not all of them are yours to cut down freely. Many species are protected by law, endangered, or hold special significance that makes removing them a serious legal issue.
Understanding which trees require permission before cutting can save you from hefty fines and help preserve Tennessee’s natural beauty for generations to come.
1. American Chestnut
Once covering millions of acres across Appalachia, this majestic tree nearly vanished due to blight in the early 1900s. Today, any surviving American Chestnut is incredibly rare and protected.
Cutting one down without proper authorization can result in serious penalties. Conservation groups are working hard to restore this species, making each tree precious…