Start with the tree’s location
1. Could it be a public tree?
A tree between a sidewalk and street, in a public right-of-way, or on City property should be treated as a location question—not assumed to belong to the adjacent homeowner. Knoxville’s Urban Forestry program manages public trees. Its permit form says planting, pruning or removing trees in City rights-of-way requires an approved permit.
2. Are overhead electric facilities involved?
Do not ask a directory listing to decide electrical clearance. If a tree or branch is touching a line, leaning on it, or has brought a line down, keep away and contact KUB at 865-524-2911. KUB’s outage guidance says not to approach downed lines or trees leaning on them.
3. Will the project disturb soil?
Stump removal, root excavation, anchors and equipment setup can involve digging. Tennessee 811 says a normal locate request requires three working days and that the contractor doing the excavation must have a ticket in its own name. Confirm timing before scheduling the job.
4. Could private lines be present?
Tennessee 811 explains that member utilities mark facilities they own or operate; private lines may not be marked. Examples can include customer-owned lines to detached buildings, irrigation, septic or other private systems. Identify those features and ask who will arrange any private locating.
Put responsibility in the written scope
Do not settle for “permits included” or “utilities handled.” Ask the proposal to state who will determine whether a City permit applies, who will contact KUB when necessary, who will place any 811 ticket, how private utilities will be identified and whether delays change the schedule or price. The person actually excavating should resolve the ticket requirement directly.
What this guide does not determine
This page cannot establish property ownership, right-of-way boundaries, permit jurisdiction, electrical safety clearance or the location of buried facilities. It organizes official contacts for Knoxville-area planning. Parcel documents, onsite conditions and the responsible agency control the specific answer.
Source record
- City of Knoxville Urban Forestry (opens in a new tab), accessed August 4, 2026.
- City public-tree permit form (PDF) (opens in a new tab), accessed August 4, 2026.
- KUB Power Outage Guide (opens in a new tab), accessed August 4, 2026.
- Tennessee 811 Homeowner Resources (opens in a new tab), accessed August 4, 2026.