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Milwaukee, WI Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Native tree replacement
2-to-1 diameter ratio
Non-native replacement
1-to-1 diameter-equivalent
Permit-exempt species
buckthorn, honeysuckle
Protected size threshold
6 inches DBH
Penalty range
$150-$5,000 per day

Summary

In the Milwaukee River Greenway, native trees removed must be replaced 2-to-1 with Wisconsin-native stock, while invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle can be cleared without any permit at all.

The following may be removed from the primary environmental corridor without a permit: ... Common or European Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus), Glossy or Smooth Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) or any species of Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.)... Native trees in excess of 6 inches in diameter at breast height which are removed shall be replaced on a 2-to-one diameter ratio ... with Wisconsin-native, nursery-grown trees conforming to American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Z60.1.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee's tree-protection ordinance for the Milwaukee River greenway site plan review overlay zone does not protect trees uniformly by species. Removing a native tree over 6 inches in diameter at breast height triggers a 2-to-1 replacement requirement with Wisconsin-native, nursery-grown stock meeting ANSI Z60.1 nursery standards; removing a non-native tree only requires 1-to-1 diameter-equivalent replacement. Common and European Buckthorn and any Honeysuckle species are exempt from the removal permit entirely because the city treats them as invasive. A tree maintenance and conservation permit from the commissioner of public works is required for any other removal or disturbance within the primary environmental corridor.

Violations & Fines

Willful removal, damage or disturbance of a protected tree without a permit draws a forfeiture of $150 to $5,000 per violation per day, plus mandatory 2-to-1 replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Milwaukee protect specific tree species citywide?
No single citywide protected-species list exists; the species-based rule applies only inside the Milwaukee River greenway overlay zone, favoring native trees over non-native ones.
Can I remove buckthorn or honeysuckle without a permit?
Yes. Common/European Buckthorn, Glossy/Smooth Buckthorn, and any Honeysuckle species may be removed from the primary environmental corridor without a permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

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All Milwaukee rules

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