Wauwatosa, WI Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

040 requires board of park commissioners approval before any shade or ornamental tree or shrub is planted in a public highway, covering both the species chosen and the exact spot where it goes; the same board issues the permit. 110 narrows what actually qualifies: only approved forms of ash, crab, ginkgo, hackberry, linden, locust, maple, oak or any other specie prescribed by the board of park commissioners, at least one and one-quarter inches in diameter measured six inches above the ground, may be planted in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb on an improved, correctly-graded street.

Where a street has no sidewalk, curb, pavement or underground utilities yet installed, no tree may be planted in that parkway area at all without the board's express written permission. 050 requires anyone placing stone, cement, lumber or similar material on the ground near a highway tree or shrub to leave an open space of at least sixteen square feet around the trunk or base so water and air can still reach the roots, and to guard the tree during the work. 140 assesses the cost of a replacement tree the same way if the original was removed for the property owner's benefit.

150 lets the city plant a street tree on private property instead, under a thirty-five-foot easement from the trunk; the tree stays city property even though it sits on private land.