Why Wausau Has Some of the Strictest Invasive Plant Rules in the State

If you live in Wausau or are thinking about moving there, invasive plant rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Wausau has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of invasive plant rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Ailanthus altissima, the tree of heaven, is listed 'Prohibited' on Wausau's zoning code landscaping plant table because it is an invasive non-native species. Any landscaping plan the City reviews under section 23.08.20 must leave the tree of heaven out and use an approved substitute instead.

Key details: Species: Ailanthus altissima, tree of heaven. Status: Prohibited. Reason listed: invasive non-native. Approved alternatives: serviceberry, hornbeam, eastern redbud. Applies to: landscaping plans under city site plan review.

A landscaping plan submitted for City review that specifies the tree of heaven does not conform to section 23.08.40, and the Zoning Administrator can reject the plan or require the applicant to swap in an approved alternative, such as Serviceberry, American Hornbeam, or Eastern Redbud, before the plan or associated permit moves forward.

Compared to other cities, Wausau takes a harder line on tree-of-heaven removal. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Prohibited Species

Wausau's zoning code lists buckthorn, multiflora rose, honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, and other invasive species as flatly 'Prohibited' on its landscaping plant table, barring them from any landscaping plan the City reviews. A separate 'Use Sparingly' category caps over-planted species at one in every 20 plants of the same type.

Key details: Governs: landscaping plans under city site plan review. Outright banned: buckthorn, honeysuckle, barberry, multiflora rose. Use Sparingly cap: 1 plant per 20 in same classification. Also banned: ash trees (emerald ash borer), silver maple. Alternatives provided: per species, e.g. Gray Dogwood for buckthorn.

A landscaping plan submitted for site plan review that specifies a Prohibited species does not meet section 23.08.40, and the Zoning Administrator can reject the plan or require the applicant to substitute an approved alternative before the plan or related permit is approved. Exceeding the one-in-20 cap on a Use Sparingly species in an approved plan is likewise a nonconformance the Administrator can require corrected.

Compared to other cities, Wausau takes a harder line on prohibited species. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Wausau is tougher than many cities when it comes to invasive plant rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Wausau, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Wausau's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.