Tree Protection in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Protected Tree Species
In the Milwaukee River Greenway, native trees removed must be replaced 2-to-1 with Wisconsin-native stock, while invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle can be cleared without any permit at all.
Milwaukee Native Tree Replacement Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 252-80-4-b and § 252-80-5-c-1 (Volume 2, Building and Zoning Code)
The following may be removed from the primary environmental corridor without a permit: ... Common or European Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus), Glossy or Smooth Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) or any species of Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)... Native trees in excess of 6 inches in diameter at breast height which are removed shall be replaced on a 2-to-one diameter ratio ... with Wisconsin-native, nurs...
Parkway Planting
Milwaukee requires a written permit from the Commissioner of Public Works before planting, pruning, or removing any tree or shrub in the public highway, including the parkway strip between curb and sidewalk.
Milwaukee Parkway Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 116-52 (permit requirement also codified at § 116-51; penalty at § 116-70)
116-52. Planting Trees on Public Highway. No shade or ornamental tree or shrub shall be planted in any of the public highways of the city until such tree or shrub and the place where it is to be planted shall have first been approved by the commissioner of public works and a permit granted by said commissioner therefor.
Urban Forest Equity
Milwaukee Forestry, operating under Code Chapter 116, targets a 40% citywide tree canopy with priority planting in north and near-south side neighborhoods that historically have lower canopy and higher heat-island and pollution exposure.
Urban Forest Equity and 40% Canopy Goal
Some RestrictionsCity of Milwaukee Forestry Services, Department of Public Works Operations Division
Forestry Services is responsible for the design, planning, planting, and management of approximately 190,000 street trees, boulevards, landscapes, green spaces, and beautification projects within the City of Milwaukee. All street trees are inspected for pruning on a five-year cycle, organized by numbered quarter-section management units. There are approximately 300 Signature Landscape Beds dist...
Looking for Milwaukee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Milwaukee city rules.
Tree Protection in Milwaukee County →