Wausau, WI Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum trunk size
- 1 inch diameter at 6 inches above grade
- Curb/sidewalk setback
- At least 2 feet from curb or sidewalk
- Intersection setback
- No planting within 20 feet of an intersection
- Spacing
- 40 to 60 feet between boulevard trees
- Banned species
- Female Populus and female boxelder
Summary
Wausau bans planting female Populus and female boxelder trees on public street boulevards, requires new trees to stay at least two feet from the curb or sidewalk edge and 20 feet from any intersection, and sets 40 to 60 feet of spacing between boulevard trees. Municipal Code § 12.56.150(a) governs, with the City Forester setting each exact planting spot.
(a)Planting:(1)All trees will be not less than one inch in diameter of trunk, at six inches above ground level.(2)No tree shall be planted closer than two feet from the curb line or outer line of the sidewalk. All trees shall be planted in line with each other and at a spacing of between 40 and 60 feet from each other depending on the species of the tree. The exact planting location of each tree and shrub shall be determined by the City forester.(3)Where the soil is of poor quality, good soil shall be provided in an amount sufficient to insure proper growth.(4)The following species and varieties are prohibited for planting on the boulevards of public streets in the City: female trees of the genus Populus and female trees of boxelder.(5)No tree shall hereafter be planted at or within 20 feet of an intersection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
150(a) lays out planting specifications for trees and shrubs the City installs in streets, parks, and public places. Every tree must have a trunk at least one inch in diameter measured six inches above ground level, ruling out very young saplings. No tree can go closer than two feet from the curb line or the outer edge of the sidewalk, trees must be planted in line with each other, and spacing must run 40 to 60 feet apart depending on species, though the City Forester picks the exact planting location and species for each site.
Poor soil must be replaced with enough good soil to support proper growth. Two species are flatly prohibited on public street boulevards: female trees of the genus Populus (cottonwoods and their relatives, whose seed fluff is a maintenance nuisance) and female boxelder trees. No tree may be planted at or within 20 feet of a street intersection, protecting sightlines for drivers and pedestrians. 080 before anyone, including a resident wanting to add a boulevard tree, breaks ground.
Violations & Fines
Planting a prohibited species, placing a tree too close to an intersection or curb, or planting on a public area without the § 12.56.080 permit exposes the planter to removal at the City Forester's direction and the general City forfeiture of $10.00 to $200.00 per offense under § 1.01.110, since Chapter 12.56 does not set its own dollar penalty for planting violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a boulevard tree in front of my Wausau house myself?
Are cottonwood trees allowed on Wausau street boulevards?
How close to an intersection can a tree be planted in Wausau?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wausau
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