Sun Prairie, WI Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

110(C) of the Sun Prairie Code of Ordinances bars anyone from planting, injuring, trimming, removing or destroying any tree or shrub located in or upon any terrace or public place until a permit has been issued by the city forester. The forester issues that permit only when removal is necessary because of disease, damage, a hazardous condition, or location causing substantial detriment to the abutting property, and the permit must state the exact tree and its location. Subsection A covers dangerous or infected trees, whether public or private: if the forester finds a tree infected, hazardous or a nuisance, endangering the public, other trees, or public improvements like sewers and sidewalks, the owner of the property where it stands must remove, trim or treat it.

The forester's written notice sets a deadline of not less than 24 hours nor more than 14 days depending on the severity of the hazard, and if the owner misses it the forester has the tree removed and bills the full cost to the city finance officer as a special charge against the property. When a public or terrace tree is actually taken down, subsection B requires the stump to be grubbed or ground to at least six inches below grade, all wood and debris cleared from the street by the end of the working day, and the hole backfilled with topsoil within 48 hours. 110(D)).