Milwaukee, WI Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Before anyone plants a shade or ornamental tree or shrub in a Milwaukee public highway right-of-way -- including the parkway strip, or tree border, between the curb and sidewalk -- both the tree species and the planting location must first be approved by the Commissioner of Public Works, who then issues a written permit. The same permit requirement covers cutting, pruning, removing, or disturbing the roots of any tree growing in a public highway, and spraying trees or shrubs there with chemicals or insecticides. Planting without approval, cutting roots without a permit, or violating these planting rules exposes the responsible party to a municipal penalty, with each day of violation counted as a separate offense.