Section 113.0511. Oak tree cutting and pruning.

 

(1)  In urban/residential areas: From April 15 through July 1 of each year, no pruning or cutting of oak trees is permitted except in emergencies. Herbicide treatment of stumps to prevent sprouting may substitute for the painting of stumps. If a tree is dead at the time of cutting, no treatment is necessary.

(2)  An urban/residential site is any site within incorporated village or city boundaries or any site in direct association with permanent or seasonal residences and dwellings. Residential sites include developed lawn areas and other intensively landscaped areas such as business and industrial properties, parks and golf courses. Residential sites include areas where the vegetation is intensively managed and typically involve yard and street trees of high landscape and ornamental value.

(3)  In rural areas: From April 15 through July 1 of each year, pruning paint must be applied to all final cuts on oak trees immediately after cutting. Herbicide treatment of stumps to prevent sprouting may substitute for the painting of stumps. If a tree is dead at the time of cutting, no treatment is necessary.

(4)  A rural site is any site not in direct association with a permanent or seasonal residence. Rural sites include sites in areas of agricultural and forest land use. Rural sites are not intensively developed and typically include areas occupied by native vegetation cover types and are stocked with naturally-occurring plants.

(5)  Emergency pruning or removal of oaks within the April 15 to July 1 time period is permitted to maintain necessary levels of safety, service and reliability. Some situations where emergency tree pruning and removal may be necessary include:

(a) Storm-related damage to electrical facilities and/or adjacent trees has caused or could cause a power outage.

(b) Bringing electrical service into a new residence or business.

(c) Moving electrical facilities to accommodate road, pipeline, or building construction.

(d) Rebuilding or upgrading distribution facilities.

(6)  Counties where oak wilt has not been confirmed are exempted from these oak tree cutting and pruning restrictions. The commission shall annually provide the utilities with a list of exempted counties.

Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535 , eff. 8-1-00.