Recently, some residents have asked the Town to remove limbs or branches from public trees that hang onto their private property. Because of the cost and manpower involved in doing this for all residents, it’s just not possible. But Collierville’s Tree Removal Policy addresses this situation and a few others that have come up involving private and public property.  

If your property backs up to one of Collierville’s parks or trails, one or more of these situations may apply to you: 

• Limbs or branches from public trees hanging over your property - according to the Town of Collierville’s Tree Removal Policy, private property owners are allowed and encouraged to trim or remove any limbs or branches that hang into their yards from trees on Town-owned property. The only time the Town would get involved to trim overhangs onto private property is when the public tree is deemed hazardous or unsafe. 

• Damaged trees - if a public tree is damaged by a storm and limbs fall onto private property, the Town will remove the tree limbs, but the property owner is responsible for the repair of any damage to any personal property. 

• Fence maintenance - if the owner has a fence around their property and the land just beyond the fence is Town-owned, the owner is allowed to trim and cut back grass and brush for six feet past the fence, but no more. See the photo below for an example of where a resident “clear cut” or cleared all public trees from behind fence. This is not allowed. 

• Access to yard from public property - never use the Town’s trails to access the resident’s back yard for fence, pool or yard improvements. This action risks damaging park trails (see photo below) and creating an added repair expense for the Town and consequently, you and your fellow residents/taxpayers. If you have a situation where you feel access from Town property is your only option, please call the General Services Department at 901-457-2252 to discuss a solution.