FAQs • Green Bay, WI • CivicEngage

Can people prune their City tree if branches are hanging low?: If the tree is hitting you or your vehicle, a small branch can be pruned by the homeowner with a hand saw or hand pruner to remove the branch. Using chainsaws, ladders, power pole pruners and climbing up into the tree is prohibited.

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Forestry

1. When is planting season?: Planting season is April through May and October through November (after frost).

2. When is pruning season?: Pruning season is throughout the year except during planting months.

3. When is tree cutting season?: Tree cutting season begins December through June.

4. When are stumps removed?: Below ground stump removals are typically done from June through November.

5. If we remove a stump, do we reseed?: Yes, we do reseed, usually within 2 days.

6. If we prune or cut down a tree, do we pick up the mess?: Yes, we pick up the mess usually within a day.

7. Can people prune their City tree if branches are hanging low?: If the tree is hitting you or your vehicle, a small branch can be pruned by the homeowner with a hand saw or hand pruner to remove the branch. Using chainsaws, ladders, power pole pruners and climbing up into the tree is prohibited.

8. If so, what criteria do we allow home owners to prune their City tree?: All basal sprouts can be pruned by the homeowner. Small low branches that are touching you as you walk under them or branches that are touching a vehicle can be pruned by the homeowner with a hand saw or hand pruner to remove the branch. Using chainsaws, ladders, power pole pruners and climbing up into the tree is prohibited.

9. Can people prune trees all year?: Trees can be pruned throughout the year except for Oak and Elm trees. Oak and Elm have a pruning ban from March 15 to October 15 as to prevent the spread of disease.

10. When can oak and elm trees be pruned?: Oak and elm trees can be pruned October 16 through March 14.

11. Can people cut down an oak tree during the pruning ban?: If an oak tree is cut down during the pruning ban, they need to treat the cut surface with tree paint.

12. Who prunes trees in an alley?: Alleys are private vegetation. The City is not responsible for maintaining the alley. Under City ordinances, you are responsible for keeping your tree/shrubs from growing into areas used by the public.

13. Who do I call about branches hanging into the utility lines along the streets or alleys?: Utility Line Clearance is provided by WPS through Asplundh Tree Expert Company. Please contact WPS at 1-800-450-7260.

14. What do people do with the Ash trees?: If a tree is small, (you can put your arms around it), an owner can treat/save the tree. There is an insecticide that can be picked up from a garden center like Home Depot to treat Emerald Ash Borer. A bigger tree can be saved by a treatment from a certified arborist. If a homeowner would cut down their private Ash tree, the wood can be put to the curb and Department of Public Works would pick it up.

15. If we take down a City tree, can the homeowner request the wood?: The homeowner can have the wood except if it's an Ash tree. To deter the spread of Emerald Ash Borer, the wood should not be transported to other areas.

16. If a limb is dangling or down, does the Forester need to be notified right away?: If the limb is not blocking the road and a firetruck can get through, it is not considered an emergency. These can be on a service request log and can be answered as soon as the Forestry crews can get to them. If the limb is considered a safety issue, the Forestry crew will address it accordingly.

17. When will the Forester reply to service requests from citizens?: The foresters will respond to requests by emergency storm damage requests first, City owned tree requests second and private tree questions third. The forester will look at the service request by evaluating the tree and putting a door hanger on the residence's door with instructions or a treatment plan. The forester will call the service requester back if needed and will try to answer most requests within two weeks.

18. A citizen would like their driveway widened. What procedure is needed to have a tree removed?: A citizen would need a curb cut permit from the Department of Public Works; the forester would have to evaluate the tree that is being requested to be removed, the citizen may have to pay for the value of the tree that is removed.

19. What do I do if a neighbor’s tree is infringing on my property?: There is no ordinance that states you can cut your neighbor's tree. We advise both parties to agree upon a solution.

20. What if my neighbor’s tree is dead and I'm worried that it will fall on my house?: The Forestry Division may (by City Ordinance) condemn a private property tree if it is diseased, infested, or threatens the Public Right-of-Way (street) or Park. Private property concerns between neighbors are a civil matter. The Forestry Division suggests neighbors contact each other and work together towards a solution. If no solution can be reached, you may wish to contact an attorney.

21. What happens when the sidewalk is lifting because of the tree roots?: Tree roots heaving sidewalks is evaluated by the Department of Public Works Engineering Division. Please contact Engineering at the Public Works phone number 920-448-3100.

22. What happens when the tree is causing problems with the sewer?: Normally the pipe has to be replaced. This is usually caused from a cracked pipe that the tree roots grow into. The homeowner contracts a pipe replacement contractor. The contractor will identify the location of the pipe and call the Forestry Department to determine if the scheduled work will constitute a safety hazard for the contracted work. Forestry will work with the contractor to remove the tree if necessary.

23. Who do I call about picking up my brush pile?: Brush pile pick up is provided by the Department of Public Works Operations Division. Please contact Operation at 920-448-3535.