Is it legal to burn leaves in Nashville, Middle Tennessee?

After the leaves turn to orange, red and brown and then fall from their trees, homeowners separate into two groups: the rakers and non-rakers. The non-rakers let them be or run them over with a lawnmower. The rakers who want their yards cleaner might wonder what they should do with all those leaves.

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What is the story about?

After the leaves turn to orange, red and brown and then fall from their trees, homeowners separate into two groups: the rakers and non-rakers.

The non-rakers let them be or run them over with a lawnmower. The rakers who want their yards cleaner might wonder what they should do with all those leaves.

In Nashville, the answer isn't to burn them.

Can you burn leaves, brush in Nashville, Middle Tennessee?

Davidson County and Nashville prohibit burning brush and other vegetation.

"This includes yard debris, leaves, and any outdoor burning that is not permitted by law," the Nashville Fire Department said in a post to social media site X.

Most other cities don't ban burning brush and leaf piles but have restrictions and require a local permit. Franklin is one of the few nearby cities that also bans burning brush and leaves

outright.

Eric Brooks of Springfield concentrates on his after-school job, ranking leaves into a gutter and burning them for Mary Barny on Main Street in Cross Plains, Tennessee on Jan. 9, 1986.

No matter where you are, state law requires a free state burn permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry between Oct. 15 and May 15. Get one at www.tn.gov/tnwildlandfire/prevention/safe-debris-burning/permits. You can check if there is a burn ban in effect due to weather conditions at www.tn.gov/tnwildlandfire/prevention/safe-debris-burning/burn-bans.

Some nearby cities that require a local permit to burn leaf piles, brush and vegetation include Nolensville, Brentwood, Lebanon, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville (Sumner County portion), Ashland City and Smyrna. Call your fire department or visit its website for more information.

What should you do with leaves in Nashville?

Davidson County prohibits putting leaves and yard waste in trash cans and dumpsters. Brush and yard waste is collected four times a year on a set schedule.

You can also drop off brush and yard waste free of charge at 1511 Elm Hill Pike and 6401 Centennial Boulevard, although trailers are charged a fee.

Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Is it legal to burn leaves in Nashville, Middle Tennessee?