Landscaping Rules in Rock County, WI (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Rock County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Rock County has no general private-property tree-removal permit. The binding county-level restriction is near water: within 35 feet of the ordinary high water mark, clear-cutting trees and shrubs is prohibited and other removal needs a county permit under NR 115 shoreland zoning.
Tree Removal Rules in Rock County, WI
Some RestrictionsWis. Admin. Code ch. NR 115 (shoreland vegetation)
Clear-cutting of trees and shrubs is not allowed in the strip of land from the ordinary high water mark to 35 feet inland unless... Removal of trees and shrubs to create an access or viewing corridor that may not exceed 30 percent of the shoreline frontage or 200 feet.
Weed Ordinances
Wisconsin law makes destroying noxious weeds mandatory statewide: every landowner must destroy Canada thistle, leafy spurge, field bindweed and other designated weeds. Towns, villages and cities may appoint a weed commissioner who can destroy weeds and bill the cost.
Noxious Weed Rules in Rock County, WI
Some RestrictionsWis. Stat. 66.0407(3)
A person owning, occupying or controlling land shall destroy all noxious weeds on the land. The person having immediate charge of any public lands shall destroy all noxious weeds on the lands.
Water Restrictions
Rock County sets no countywide lawn-watering schedule. The state does not require a permit to water a lawn or private garden. Odd/even or drought watering limits, when they exist, come from your city or water utility, not the county.
Lawn Watering and Water-Use Rules in Rock County, WI
Some RestrictionsWI DNR Water Withdrawals & Irrigation guidance
A permit is not required to pump water to water a lawn or private garden, provided that produce from the garden is non-commercial.
Landscaping Rules by City in Rock County
2 cities in Rock County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Rock County ordinances
See every category we cover for Rock County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Rock County Ordinance Hub →