No, chopping down a cactus in your Tennessee yard is not a felony or generally illegal, unlike Arizona’s strict protections for native saguaros on state or public lands. Tennessee lacks specific statewide cactus removal bans, treating most yard cacti (often non-native ornamentals) as personal property.​
Arizona Context
Arizona classifies saguaro cacti as protected flora; removing, harming, or transporting one without a permit is a Class 5 felony for natives over state land, even on private property if wild.​
Permits are required for relocation during construction, with violations risking fines up to $5,000+ jail time.
Tennessee Rules
No felony statutes target cacti; general property laws apply—you can remove plants from your deed-confirmed yard absent local ordinances.
Rare or protected plants under the TN Rare Plant Protection Act need permits for collection/transport, but common yard varieties (e.g., prickly pear) aren’t listed.
Local codes may require tree/vegetation permits in cities like Forest Hills; check municipal rules for “nuisance” overgrowth.​
Yard Considerations
Confirm boundaries via deed/survey to avoid neighbor disputes.
Invasive plants have removal guidelines, but cacti rarely qualify.​
Damage to adjacent property could trigger civil liability, not criminal charges.
