Summary
The committee approved an ordinance change making fines for cutting down or damaging public trees clearer and potentially costlier — at least $500 per incident, up to the tree's appraised value. It also adds a public webpage notice so people know the rules before they act.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost to the city — but violators could now face fines of $500 or more per tree.
Everyone who values the city's urban forest, plus residents who get clearer notice of the rules.
Anyone who removes or damages a public tree without a permit now faces clearly defined, potentially higher fines.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Parks Committee - Nov 4, 2026
A proposed ordinance change would give the City Forester power to declare public trees a nuisance and require removal. The Forestry Division is already backlogged, and staff says the change needs a new supervisor position plus at least $100,000 for contractor removals.
Parks Committee - Sep 9, 2026
Ald. Grant wants the City Forester to have authority to declare nuisance trees — including on private property — and require their removal. The committee also wants the Board of Regents to hear about nuisance trees on UWGB property. Staff will draft the ordinance language.
Parks Committee - Mar 11, 2026
The committee approved an ordinance change making fines for cutting down or damaging public trees clearer and potentially costlier — at least $500 per incident, up to the tree's appraised value. It also adds a public webpage notice so people know the rules before they act.
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