5 Christmas Decoration Rules That Catch Tennessee Homeowners Off Guard

Christmas lights are already showing up on some Tennessee rooflines, and the Christmas tree won’t be far behind.

Getting rid of that tree in January can come with more rules than putting it up, though.

Here are the Christmas decoration rules that catch Tennessee homeowners off guard.

Note: This is general information, not legal advice. City ordinances, association rules, and lease terms vary and are subject to change.

1. Nashville’s Holiday Decoration Measure

Nashville’s Metro Council took up a measure that speaks directly to holiday lights and decorations.

The council’s November 4, 2025 agenda lists BL2025-1071 on third reading.

The measure amends Chapter 16.24 of the Metropolitan Code “to augment property standards regulations as they pertain to holiday lights and decorations.”

News coverage described the measure as one that would allow holiday lights and decorations year-round, as long as they’re well maintained and don’t block doors or walkways.

The agenda doesn’t show the outcome, so read the current text of Chapter 16.24 before you decide when your display comes down.

2. Collierville’s Holiday Display Window

Collierville’s sign code exempts holiday lighting and decorations from sign regulation during a set stretch of the calendar.

The exemption covers displays between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day, plus 15 days before and after that period.

It names strips or strings of lights outlining roof lines, doors, windows, and wall edges.

The definition doesn’t say what happens to lights that stay up outside the window, so ask the town before you leave yours on the roofline into spring.

3. Nashville’s Bare-Tree Requirement

Metro Nashville’s Christmas tree drop-off sites required a bare tree last season.

Last season, the transportation department set drop-off from December 26, 2025, through February 13, 2026.

Your tree had to be cleaned of wooden stands, watering bowls, ornaments, lights, wire, string, and other decorations.

No artificial trees were accepted, and the department said there would be no special pick-ups for trees.

Check the department’s current announcement before you load your tree.

4. Chattanooga’s Collection-Week Limit

In Chattanooga, curbside Christmas tree collection happens during your scheduled collection week.

Public works told residents last season they could place trees out during that week, and it pointed them to the brush and bulk trash schedule.

The city also accepted live trees at its five recycle centers from December 26, 2025, through January 31, 2026.

Look up your schedule before you drag the tree to the curb.

5. Burn Permits for Backyard Debris

Burning a pile of debris usually takes a state permit in the weeks after Christmas.

From October 15 through May 15, a burn permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry is required, and the list of fires that need one includes woody debris like branches.

The Division’s page doesn’t mention Christmas trees, so ask the Division of Forestry before you burn one.

Some counties and municipalities have more restrictive burning regulations, which can override the state permit.

Living in an Association?

A homeowners association can require approval before you change the outside of your property, and Tennessee courts have enforced that kind of requirement.

Tennessee’s Court of Appeals decided a 2014 case from Williamson County.

The court ruled that an association’s approval requirement is enforceable as long as its review committee acts reasonably and in good faith.

The dispute centered on landscape border blocks, and the court let the association require the landscaping removed.

The association won $2,000 toward its attorney fees.

That case wasn’t about holiday decorations, so check your governing documents for wording on lights, inflatables, or a front-yard nativity.

Renting? Two Landlord-Tenant Deadlines

If you rent, decorations that leave holes in siding or trim can show up on your deposit.

In counties covered by the state’s landlord-tenant act, a landlord can charge physical damage to the unit against your security deposit.

When a landlord notices an inspection for you to attend, the act sets it for the day you move out or within four calendar days after.

A lease breach brings a separate clock.

If your landlord sends written notice of a breach and you don’t fix it, the lease can end no sooner than 14 days after you receive the notice.

Fire Marshal Tips for Lights and Trees

The State Fire Marshal's Office published these tips in news releases dated 2015 and 2017.

Don't link more than three light strands unless the directions say it's safe.

Hang your lights with clips, not nails, so the nails don't harm the cords.

Connect your strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.

Check each set's label for indoor or outdoor use, and use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

For a live tree, cut two inches off the trunk before it goes in the stand, keep it at least three feet from any heat source, and add water daily.