Rock County, WI Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Rock County, WI, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- General removal permit
- Not required by county
- Shoreland clear-cut
- Prohibited within 35 ft
- View corridor cap
- 30% of frontage or 200 ft
- Forestry exemption
- Parcels 10+ acres
- Other removals near water
- Need county permit
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
Away from navigable water, removing a tree on your own Rock County lot generally needs no county permit; municipal forestry or nuisance rules may apply inside cities and villages. In the shoreland zone the county enforces NR 115: from the ordinary high water mark to 35 feet inland, clear-cutting of trees and shrubs is prohibited. You may perform routine maintenance, cut a view/access corridor (max 30% of frontage or 200 feet), remove exotic/invasive, diseased, damaged, or imminently hazardous vegetation, or follow accepted forestry practices on parcels of at least 10 acres. Any other removal requires a permit from the county.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted shoreland tree removal is enforced by Rock County zoning with DNR; typical remedies include a stop order, required restoration, and zoning forfeitures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Rock County permit to cut down a tree?
Can I remove a dead or hazardous tree near the water?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock County
Compare Rock County to another location·View the Wisconsin landscaping rules overview
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