Tree Trimming: Madison vs Sun Prairie
How do tree trimming rules compare between Madison, WI and Sun Prairie, WI?
Sun Prairie has fewer restrictions than Madison.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison Urban Forestry Division regulates all work on public trees under MGO 10.10. No trimming or removal of terrace or park trees is allowed without a permit. Private trees overhanging public ways must be clear to 8 feet sidewalk and 14 feet street.
View full Madison rules →Sun Prairie, WI
Dane County
Tree trimming on private property in unincorporated Dane County is generally unregulated at the county level. Trees within the right-of-way of county highways require county highway department coordination.
View full Sun Prairie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Sun Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Urban Forestry Division | - |
| Code | MGO 10.10 | - |
| Sidewalk Clearance | 8 feet | - |
| Street Clearance | 14 feet | - |
| Public Trees | Permit required | - |
| Private Trees | - | No county permit required generally |
| Highway ROW | - | Coordinate with County Highway Dept |
| Shoreland Areas | - | Vegetation removal restrictions apply |
| Topic | - | Tree Trimming |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Can I trim my terrace tree?
No. Only city crews or licensed arborists with a permit may work on terrace trees in Madison.
Does Madison still plant terrace trees?
Yes. Urban Forestry accepts free planting requests and continues ash replacement with diverse species.
Sun Prairie FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down trees on my rural Dane County property?
Generally no, unless the property is in a shoreland setback or floodplain area where vegetation removal is restricted. Contact Dane County Zoning at 608-266-4266 for properties near water.
Can I trim tree branches that hang over a Dane County highway?
Coordinate with the Dane County Highway Department first. Trees within or overhanging the county right-of-way have specific trimming rules to protect sight lines and utility lines.
Do Dane County shoreland rules restrict tree trimming near lakes?
Yes. Chapter 11 restricts vegetation removal within 35–75 feet of navigable waters. Significant trimming or clearing in that zone requires a permit from Dane County Zoning.
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