Milwaukee's Forestry Division manages a tree planting and replacement program for public street trees. When a city street tree is removed, the Forestry Division schedules replacement planting, typically within one to two planting seasons. Residents can request a new street tree if one was removed or if a suitable planting location exists. The city provides and plants the replacement tree at no cost to the property owner. For private property, there is no mandatory tree replacement requirement, but the city encourages planting through programs like MMSD's Green Infrastructure initiatives.
Milwaukee tree replacement ordinance requires planting new trees when permitted removals occur. Standard replacement ratios range from 1:1 to 3:1 depending on the size and species of the removed tree. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper requirements, typically 1.5 to 2 inch caliper at planting. Approved species lists ensure appropriate native or adapted varieties. Replacement trees must be planted on the same property when space allows, or a fee-in-lieu paid to the city tree fund. A maintenance period of 1 to 2 years ensures establishment.
Failure to replace: $250 to $1,000 per tree plus required planting. Fee-in-lieu non-payment: lien on property.
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See how Milwaukee's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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