Milwaukee street trees are maintained by the Forestry Division and cannot be trimmed by property owners without a permit. Private tree work requires compliance with Chapter 80 debris rules.
All trees in the public right-of-way (terrace or boulevard strip between sidewalk and street) are owned by the City of Milwaukee and maintained by the Forestry Division of DPW. Homeowners may not prune, top, or remove street trees without a Forestry permit. Emergency storm damage should be reported to 414-286-CITY. Private tree trimming on owner property does not require a permit but must not deposit debris in public streets or alleys. Yard waste is collected curbside April through November. Oak trimming is discouraged from April through July to prevent oak wilt disease spread, per Wisconsin DNR guidance.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Milwaukee code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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