Tree services
Can I trim or remove the city tree on the terrace in front of my house in Madison?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
Terrace trees, the ones between the sidewalk and the street, are City trees. The City says you don't need to hire anyone to care for them: City of Madison Urban Forestry prunes, removes and replants terrace trees at no added cost to property owners. If the tree needs pruning, has a dead limb, or you're worried about it, use the "Tree Concern" option on the City's Report a Problem page, or call or email Urban Forestry. The City's pages don't describe any way for residents to do this work themselves, so contact Urban Forestry before anyone cuts. For branches touching or near power lines, contact MGE, because trimming near wires is dangerous. For an emergency, like a fallen tree blocking the street, call 911 or Dane County Dispatch. This covers the City of Madison only; other towns set their own rules. Source: City of Madison Streets & Urban Forestry, Reporting Tree Concerns (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026