Tree Trimming: Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa
How do tree trimming rules compare between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI?
Wauwatosa has fewer restrictions than Milwaukee.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee street trees are maintained by the Forestry Division and cannot be trimmed by property owners without a permit. Private tree work requires compliance with Chapter 80 debris rules.
View full Milwaukee rules →Wauwatosa, WI
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County does not regulate trimming of trees on private residential property. County crews trim only trees in the 157-park county system and on county grounds. Street-tree and private-tree trimming rules come from your municipal forestry division, such as Milwaukee's City Forestry.
View full Wauwatosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Milwaukee | Wauwatosa |
|---|---|---|
| Street Trees | City-owned | - |
| Forestry Contact | 414-286-CITY | - |
| Yard Waste | April to November | - |
| Oak Wilt Window | Avoid April to July | - |
| Private-tree trimming permit | - | None from county |
| County crews trim | - | Park & county-ground trees |
| Park-tree protection | - | Milw. County ord. 47.08 |
| Street-tree trimming | - | Municipal forestry |
| City of Milwaukee | - | DPW City Forestry |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Milwaukee FAQ
Wauwatosa FAQ
Do I need a county permit to trim my own tree?
No. Milwaukee County does not regulate trimming of private-property trees. County forestry only handles trees in county parks and on county grounds.
Who trims the tree on my street terrace?
Your municipality's forestry division. In the City of Milwaukee, City Forestry within the Department of Public Works maintains terrace and boulevard street trees.
Can I trim a tree in a county park?
No. Milwaukee County Ordinance 47.08 makes it unlawful to cut or injure park trees. Only Parks Forestry staff or those with written permission may do that work.
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