Tree Protection in Wisconsin (2026)
13 rules on the books across Wisconsin, 10 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Heritage & Protected Trees
Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.
Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Parkway Planting
Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.
Appleton
Some RestrictionsAppleton assigns terrace (parkway) tree planting to the Municipal Services Committee and Parks and Recreation Committee…
Read full rule →Ashwaubenon
Some RestrictionsAshwaubenon Municipal Code § 11-2-78 lets the Village tree board set an orderly plan for planting trees in the terraces…
Read full rule →Burlington
Some RestrictionsBurlington requires subdividers to plant at least one street tree for every 50 feet of dedicated street frontage in…
Read full rule →Fitchburg
Some RestrictionsIn Fitchburg, Wisconsin, the city forester decides where every tree or shrub goes in a public way, terrace or park…
Read full rule →Madison
Some RestrictionsMadison's Urban Forestry Section, under the City Forester, controls all planting of street trees in the terrace between…
Read full rule →Milwaukee
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee requires a written permit from the Commissioner of Public Works before planting, pruning, or removing any…
Read full rule →Walworth County
Some RestrictionsNew subdivisions in unincorporated Walworth County can be required to plant deciduous shade trees along the…
Read full rule →Waukesha
Some RestrictionsWaukesha restricts what can be planted in the street parkway under Municipal Code Sec. 3.06: no tree within 35 feet of…
Read full rule →Wausau
Some RestrictionsWausau bans planting female Populus and female boxelder trees on public street boulevards, requires new trees to stay…
Read full rule →Wauwatosa
Some RestrictionsNo shade or ornamental tree may be planted in a Wauwatosa public highway, including the parkway between sidewalk and…
Read full rule →Urban Forest Equity
Citywide tree-canopy goals and equity-focused planting programs targeting historically under-canopied neighborhoods (Cool Streets LA, City Plants).