FILE · LANDSCAPING x MEMPHIS x TENNESSEEPermit StackSpecs LedgerCostTimelineChecklistViolationsFAQ
LANDSCAPING x MEMPHIS x TENNESSEE

Landscaping contractors in Memphis, Tennessee.

Operating as a landscaping contractor in Memphis, Shelby County is relatively straightforward as Tennessee does not require state licensing for basic landscaping services. The primary requirements are obtaining a Memphis Business License and appropriate insurance coverage. However, specialized services like irrigation installation or pesticide application do require specific state licenses from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Most routine landscaping work does not require permits, but contractors should verify requirements for larger projects involving grading, irrigation, or tree removal. The Memphis market offers good opportunities for both residential and commercial landscaping services, with typical projects ranging from basic maintenance to comprehensive landscape installations.

State License
VerifyTennessee
Permit Issuer
MemphisBuilding dept.
Plan Review
Verifybusiness days
Start-Up
Basic lawn maintenance: $30-60 per visit. Landscape design and installation: $3,000-15,000 for residential projects. Tree removal: $300-2,000 depending on si...Landscaping
FILE · LANDSCAPING x MEMPHIS x TENNESSEE
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
Verify with issuing agencies
State AuthorityTennessee licensing authority
CountyShelby County
City AuthorityMemphis building department
StatuteVerify locally
InsuranceVerify minimums
ReciprocityVerify with state board
FILE LANDSCAPINGLOCATION MEMPHIS, TENNESSEETYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED Verify with issuing agenciesSTATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to MemphisWhat this leaf carries beyond the Tennessee state file.
State license floor
Tennessee does not require a state license for general landscaping services. However, if performing irrigation work, contractors need a Tennessee Irrigation...
Local permit office
Most basic landscaping work (planting, mulching, lawn care) does not require permits in Memphis/Shelby County. However, permits are required for: irrigation...
Insurance check
General liability insurance with minimum $300,000 coverage is recommended for most landscaping work. Workers' compensation insurance is required if employing...
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern Landscaping work in Memphis.

The state license sets the floor; the county and city control permits, inspections, and local rules in Memphis.

State - Floor
Tennessee licensing authority
Tennessee does not require a state license for general landscaping services. However, if performing irrigation work, contractors need a Tennessee Irrigation...Renewal rules
County - Overlay
Shelby County
County recordsHealth or zoning checks
City - Where you file
Memphis building department
Most basic landscaping work (planting, mulching, lawn care) does not require permits in Memphis/Shelby County. However, permits are required for: irrigation...Inspections

Read it bottom-up.

The city is usually where the permit is filed, but the state floor and county overlay still apply.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is Landscaping and the jurisdiction is Memphis, Tennessee.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · Verify with issuing agencies
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
License requirementsTennessee does not require a state license for general landscaping services. However, if performing irrigation work, contractors need a Tennessee Irrigation...
State / local board
Verify
Verify
Verify
VERIFY
Permit requirementsMost basic landscaping work (planting, mulching, lawn care) does not require permits in Memphis/Shelby County. However, permits are required for: irrigation...
Local building department
Verify
Verify
Verify
VERIFY
Insurance requirementsGeneral liability insurance with minimum $300,000 coverage is recommended for most landscaping work. Workers' compensation insurance is required if employing...
Carrier / issuing authority
Verify
Verify
Verify
VERIFY
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start Landscaping in Memphis.

A practical floor for Memphis, Tennessee. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Memphis, Tennessee · Landscaping
Published rangeGenerated guide summaryBasic lawn maintenance: $30-60 per visit. Landscape design and installation: $3,000-15,000 for residential projects. Tree removal: $300-2,000 depending on si...
Year-one floorVerify
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Compared locally
Memphis, Tennessee

Basic lawn maintenance: $30-60 per visit. Landscape design and installation: $3,000-15,000 for residential projects. Tree removal: $300-2,000 depending on si...

Most contractors miss
The local rule.

Most basic landscaping work (planting, mulching, lawn care) does not require permits in Memphis/Shelby County. However, permits are required for: irrigation...

Faster path
Verify before filing.

Confirm the issuer, fee, and timeline before submitting the first permit.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for Landscaping contractors in Memphis.

1
Day 0
Verify license
State board
2
Day 7
Insurance and bond
Carrier
3
Day 14
Local registration
City / county
4
Day 21
File permit
Building dept.
5
Day 30
Inspection
Inspector
6
Day 45
Renewal tracking
Self-managed
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
Obtain Memphis Business License from Business License Division
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
02
Register business entity with Tennessee Secretary of State if applicable
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
03
Secure general liability insurance with adequate coverage limits
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
04
Obtain Workers' Compensation insurance if employing others
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
05
Get Tennessee Irrigation License if installing sprinkler systems
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
06
Apply for Commercial Pesticide License if applying chemicals
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
07
Verify permit requirements for specific project scope with Memphis Building Services
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
08
Ensure compliance with Memphis tree preservation ordinances
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Memphis.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

#1 verify
VerifyMemphis

Permit not confirmed

Verify local enforcement data before work starts.

PenaltyVerify
#2 verify
VerifyMemphis

Lapsed local registration

Local registrations can renew on a different cycle than state licenses.

PenaltyVerify
#3 verify
VerifyMemphis

Insufficient insurance

Local minimums can sit above the state floor.

PenaltyVerify
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.