Landscaping Rules in Middleton, WI (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Middleton, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Middleton requires trees and shrubs overhanging any public right-of-way, whether on public or private property, to be trimmed to a 14-foot clearance above the ground and a 10-foot clearance above sidewalks. Shrubs next to sidewalks must be pruned clear of the walk, and the City Forester can waive the rule for newly planted trees that pose no hazard.
Tree Trimming Clearance Rules in Middleton
Some RestrictionsCity of Middleton Municipal Code § 20.05(7)
Trees and shrubs standing on either public or private property and overhanging any public right of way shall be kept trimmed so that the lowest branches provide a clearance of at least fourteen (14) feet above the ground. The City Forester may waive this requirement for newly planted trees if he or she determines that any such tree does not interfere with public travel, obstruct street lighting...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
The City of Middleton requires a written permit from the City Forester before anyone plants, injures, trims, removes, or destroys a tree or shrub located in or upon a public place, including street terraces and boulevards fronting private homes. Permits issue only for disease, damage, hazard, or serious property detriment. Violators face forfeitures under Section 30.04 plus abatement costs, assessed daily per violation.
Public-Area Tree Removal Permit, Middleton
Some RestrictionsCity of Middleton Municipal Code §§ 20.07(3), 20.09
No person, firm, organization or corporation shall plant, injure, trim, remove or destroy any tree or shrub located in or upon any public place, until a permit shall have been issued by the City Forester. Such permit shall be issued only when the removal, trimming or cutting of the tree or shrub is necessary as determined by the City Forester, because of disease, damage, hazardous condition, an...
Weed Ordinances
Middleton declares any lawn, grass or weed taller than eight inches on a lot a public nuisance, citing pollen, hidden debris and fire risk. The Building Inspector must give written notice to cut within five days before the City can mow the lot itself and bill the owner. Floodplains, rain gardens, larger natural-landscaping buffers and big undeveloped parcels in agricultural zones are excepted.
8-Inch Grass Height Limit in Middleton, WI
Some RestrictionsCity of Middleton Municipal Code § 23.05(3)
The Common Council finds that lawn areas comprised of untended or unmanaged grasses or other primarily herbaceous vegetation that forms a ground cover that exceeds eight (8) inches in length adversely affects the public health and safety in that they tend to emit pollen and other discomforting bits of plants, constitute a fire hazard and safety hazard in that debris can be hidden in the grass, ...
Looking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Middleton city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Dane County →