Policy & Legislation
NTCC works directly with city council members, mayors, and policymakers to translate environmental expertise into binding protections that shape how Nashville grows, develops, and preserves its urban forest for generations to come.
· Partnered with Councilmember Angie Henderson to pass new zoning laws protecting mature trees (2022).
· Authored a 50-page plan that informed Nashville’s first tree-preservation ordinance in a decade (2020).
· Our Generation of Canopy Loss report led to Mayor Megan Barry’s Executive Order 40 (2018).
· Worked with Councilmember Burkley Allen to create stronger protections for trees during construction (2025)
What to learn more about Nashville’s tree protections?
Community Advocacy
Some of Nashville's most important trees have been saved not by policy alone, but by people showing up. NTCC mobilizes residents, builds coalitions, and steps into high-stakes moments when trees are under threat — giving our community both a voice and a strategy when it matters most.
Led “Cherrygate,” rallying 80,000+ residents to protect Riverfront Park’s cherry trees.
Helped save trees housing purple martins at Schermerhorn Symphony Center and improve Centennial Park’s restoration plan.
Stopped the sale of 11 acres of forested land in North Nashville.
Support neighbors with tools and advice to protect trees near development.
Worked with Nashville Electric Service and council members on NES’s aggressive updated tree-trimming policy following Winter Storm Fern
Want to join in the fight? Sign up for our advocacy newsletter for upcoming opportunities to protect Nashville’s trees.
Research
Shade Report (2026)
As Middle Tennessee feels the increasing impact of climate change, summer days at our beautiful public parks have become harder to enjoy.
The good news? There’s something we can do about it.
We all know the difference a beautiful shade tree can make on a hot summer day. So at Nashville Tree Conservation Corps, we analyzed all 148 public parks in Metro Nashville to find the ones most in need of additional shade.
Tree News
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