Mosinee, WI Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 86-117 of the Mosinee Code of Ordinances requires that trees and shrubs standing on a boulevard, public area, or private premises adjacent to a public right-of-way be kept trimmed so the lowest branches over a public street or alley clear at least 14 feet. The city forester may waive that requirement for newly planted trees if satisfied they will not interfere with travel, block a streetlight, or endanger public safety. A separate, stricter standard applies to sidewalks: branches over the sidewalk line must be trimmed to at least ten feet above the sidewalk grade, and the section adds that no tree may be allowed to grow so as to obstruct the diffusion of light from a public lamp.

The forester determines whether pruning is necessary under subsection (b), giving the office discretion to order trimming on private trees whose limbs extend over the walk or street even without a reported complaint. This division of Chapter 86 (Vegetation) also carries a related visibility rule at § 86-118 covering hedges, trees, and shrubs that block the view of drivers or pedestrians at a street or alley intersection, or that obscure a traffic sign; the forester issues a written corrective notice under that section and the city may abate the obstruction and assess the cost against the owner if the deadline passes.

Because the general penalty of § 1-13 applies whenever a Code section does not set its own forfeiture, a property owner who ignores a trimming order under § 86-117 is exposed to that citywide schedule rather than a trimming-specific fine.