Milwaukee regulates the removal of trees on public property through the Department of Public Works Forestry Division. The city manages approximately 200,000 street trees and trees in public spaces. Residents may not remove, prune, or damage public trees without city authorization. For trees on private property, removal generally does not require a city permit unless the property is in a historic district or subject to special conditions. The Forestry Division handles requests for public tree removal due to disease, damage, or safety concerns.
Milwaukee tree protection ordinance requires a permit to remove trees exceeding a specified trunk diameter, typically 6 to 12 inches measured at 4.5 feet above grade (DBH). Applications require an arborist assessment for larger trees. Street trees and right-of-way trees are managed by Milwaukee public works and cannot be removed by residents. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may qualify for expedited permits. Unauthorized removal of protected trees results in significant fines and replacement requirements.
Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree depending on size and species. Replacement planting required at 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.
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