TN resource centre

Land clearing resources for Tennessee

Limestone under much of the state, cedar advancing on anything unmanaged, and requirements that sit largely with counties and municipalities.

Published by the Land Clearing Authority editorial team · Last revised 2026-07-29 · Editorial policy · Corrections

Tennessee clearing questions are shaped by geology more than most states. Much of Middle Tennessee sits on limestone with shallow soils, which makes below-grade work unpredictable and connects surface disturbance to groundwater through karst features.

Eastern red cedar encroachment onto pasture and old field ground is the most common reclamation project across the middle of the state, and it is a management programme rather than a single job.

What to ask locally, before work starts

State-level agencies set frameworks. Counties, municipalities, and watershed authorities set the numbers that actually apply to a parcel. These are the questions to put to them.

Whether your county or municipality requires a land-disturbance or grading permit
What stormwater requirements apply to your project
Whether karst features on your parcel need attention before disturbance
Current outdoor burning permit requirements and restrictions
What cedar management approach suits your ground and stocking

Authorities in Tennessee

These are navigation targets, not evidence for a figure. This site links to the authority that governs a question rather than restating what it says, because requirements below the state level vary and change.

Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of ForestryTennessee state forestry agency publishing landowner assistance, forest management, and wildfire program information for the state. · Registered 2026-07-29 · Verification: unverified
Tennessee Department of Environment and ConservationTennessee state environmental agency as the authority for land disturbance, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater requirements in the state. · Registered 2026-07-29 · Verification: unverified
University of Tennessee ExtensionTennessee Cooperative Extension service as the source of soil testing and soil management guidance for landowners in the state. · Registered 2026-07-29 · Verification: unverified
Tennessee 811The one-call utility locate programme serving Tennessee, through which excavation notice is submitted before digging. · Registered 2026-07-29 · Verification: unverified

Questions from Tennessee landowners

Do I need a permit to clear land in Tennessee?

It depends on your county and municipality, the extent of disturbance, and proximity to water. Karst features add complexity, since surface disturbance can connect to groundwater. Ask your local permitting office and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

What should I do about a sinkhole on my property?

Identify it before clearing and keep machinery clear. Sinkholes are a safety consideration and a groundwater one. Ask the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation about any feature you are unsure of before disturbing ground near it.

How do I manage cedar encroachment?

Clearing removes the standing stems; keeping cedar out requires a grazing or mowing regime. On shallow Central Basin soils it returns quickly without one. University of Tennessee Extension can advise on management for your specific ground.