Nashville Couple Sued Builder Over Tree Removal

The lawsuit claims a builder unlawfully cut down a boundary-line tree on a Newhall Drive property.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Residential

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a tree stump centered in the frame, representing a legal property dispute over tree removal. — An East Nashville couple has sued Legacy South Builders, alleging the firm unlawfully removed a boundary-line hackberry tree without the required property-owner consent. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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An East Nashville couple has filed a lawsuit against Legacy South Builders for cutting down a boundary-line hackberry tree on their property. The tree, which stood in the 700 block of Newhall Drive, was removed by workers on January 2 to make space for a residential development.

Why it matters

The legal action highlights the strict protections afforded to trees situated on shared property lines in Tennessee. Under state law, developers are required to obtain consent from both landowners before removing such trees, and failure to do so can lead to significant financial penalties.

The removed hackberry tree had an appraised pre-removal value of $59,400. Tennessee timber laws permit plaintiffs to seek damages totaling three times the appraised value of the tree.

The players

Legacy South Builders

This is a real estate construction firm responsible for the development project on Newhall Drive.

Davidson County Chancery Court

This is the local judicial venue responsible for hearing civil litigation and property disputes in Nashville.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Legacy South Builders failed to accurately identify the property boundary before clearing the land for new home construction. According to the filing, the removal occurred without the necessary agreement from the neighboring property owners.

January 2, 2026: Workers cut down the hackberry tree on Newhall Drive.
September 22, 2026: The homeowners filed the lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court.

Culture Shift

This dispute reflects a growing tension in urban neighborhoods where infill development projects often intersect with established property boundaries. As residential density increases, cases like this highlight the legal conflict between property rights and construction expansion.

This lawsuit serves as a reminder for homeowners to verify property boundaries and survey reports before any site clearing begins on adjacent projects. Residents facing similar development activities should ensure they have proper documentation to protect their land and landscape assets.

The takeaway

Homeowners should proactively document the location and value of significant trees on their property lines to protect their interests during nearby construction. Understanding local boundary laws is essential for both developers and neighboring residents to avoid costly and lengthy legal disputes.