Green Bay's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Weed Ordinances

Green Bay caps unmanaged grass, turf, hay, weeds and brush at eight inches on any owned, occupied or controlled land under Municipal Code § 24-84(c)-(e). Miss that height and the Weed Commissioner cuts it and bills the cost; state-listed noxious weeds must be destroyed before they bloom, with the same cost-recovery backstop.

Key details: Height limit: Eight inches for grass, turf, weeds, brush. Enforcer: City Weed Commissioner. Noxious weed notice: Published annually by May 15. Natural landscaping: Register with Dept. of Public Works. Landscaping setback: 3 ft. from front/side/rear lot lines.

A charge assessed for city-performed cutting or weed destruction can be appealed in writing to the Improvement and Services Committee within 30 days of the work under § 24-84(f); the Committee may uphold, modify or cancel it. A citation for violating a registered planned natural landscaping plan is appealable to the same Committee within ten business days under § 24-84(g)(3)b, with the Common Council issuing the final decision. General chapter violations otherwise forfeit $1.00 to $500.00 under § 24-83.

Tree Trimming

Property owners must prune any tree or shrub overhanging a Green Bay street or right-of-way before it blocks streetlights, sightlines, or sidewalk and street passage.

Key details: Duty falls on: the property owner. Trigger: blocks streetlight or sightline. City remedy: prune and bill owner. Penalty range: $25-$1,500+ per § 28-37.

The City can perform the pruning itself and charge the owner for its expense under Section 28-35(a)(1)-(2); other violations of the tree article can draw a forfeiture of $25 to $1,500 or more under Section 28-37(b).

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Planting, pruning, or removing any tree on Green Bay public property requires a written permit from the City Forester, and unpermitted removal carries a steep forfeiture.

Key details: Permit needed for: plant, prune, or remove. Issued by: City Forester. Minimum penalty: $500 per incident. Max penalty: $1,500 or appraised value.

Section 28-37(a) sets a forfeiture of not less than $500.00 per incident, up to the greater of $1,500.00 or the tree's value under the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers' guide, for removing a public tree without a permit.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Green Bay actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

The Bottom Line

Green Bay's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Green Bay is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Green Bay'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.