Milwaukee Forestry, operating under Code Chapter 116, targets a 40% citywide tree canopy with priority planting in north and near-south side neighborhoods that historically have lower canopy and higher heat-island and pollution exposure.
Code Chapter 116 establishes the City Forester within DPW and authorizes care of street, parkway, and park trees. The Climate and Equity Plan layered an equity framework on top, directing new plantings to under-canopied census tracts. Forestry plants thousands of trees annually at no direct cost to abutting owners, prioritizes diverse species after emerald ash borer losses, and partners with Milwaukee Public Schools and community groups. Heritage and parkway plantings remain Forestry-managed; private yard tree programs are coordinated through partner nonprofits. Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry grants and federal Inflation Reduction Act funds support equity expansion.
Damaging, removing, or unauthorized pruning of a city street or parkway tree under Chapter 116 can lead to fines plus the full replacement cost of the tree, often $2,000 or more per tree.
See how Milwaukee's urban forest equity rules stack up against other locations.
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