Wauwatosa, WI Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

050 lists native plants as one of the approved ways to cover a required landscape area, alongside biodegradable mulch, ornamental grasses, forbs, or other perennial herbaceous or shrub combinations, giving developers an explicit path to satisfy Wauwatosa's landscaping standards with native species rather than traditional turf or ornamental beds. 010 goes further, directing the city to promote sustainable landscape practices including the use of non-invasive native and regionally adaptable plants. 050 requires the mix to be clearly identified on the landscape plans, along with the species used, the establishment requirements and a three-year maintenance plan, submitted at the time of plan review and approval; the same documentation is required for no-mow or alternative turf seed mixes.

070, a developer who chooses a native seed mix must post a maintenance surety that covers that longer establishment window before the city will release the landscaping performance guarantee. Native plantings can also draw on the no-mow height accommodation used elsewhere in the code for prairie-style areas, provided the seed mix and management plan are documented and approved.