Landscaping Rules in Washington County, WI (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Washington County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Washington County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Within the shoreland zone of Washington County, Wisconsin's unincorporated towns, Chapter 275 limits how much tree, shrub and ground cover an owner can clear near the water. Cutting in the access and viewing corridor along the shoreline is capped at 10 feet, or up to 35% of shoreline frontage, whichever is greater, with a hard 200-foot maximum corridor width.
Washington County Shoreland Tree Cutting Limits
Some RestrictionsWashington County Code § 275-6A, B(1)
The purpose of tree, shrubbery and ground cover cutting regulations applicable to the shoreland area is to protect scenic beauty, control erosion and reduce effluent and nutrient flow from the shoreland and protect aquatic and shoreline wildlife habitat. ... Access and viewing corridor. Tree, shrubbery and ground cover cutting in an area parallel to the OHWM, extending inland from all points al...
All Washington County ordinances
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