If you enjoy those chilly hikes, or are looking for some great new spots to snowmobile this year, stay clear form Red and Purple Paint marks on trees or signs. Both colors have been used from time to time. Though it is not a law, it has still been used for years.

morning fog on lake in Wisconsin Dells in Autumn
DavidPrahl
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An easy thing to remember is that paints mean basically the same thing, but purple is much more popular and means only one thing while that red paint can mean a few other things.

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As of 2024, the Purple Paint Law is not in effect in Wisconsin.

Some landowners may still use purple paint to mark their property lines or for other reasons. At this time 18 states do use the purple paint law. Some are very close to Wisconsin. Both Iowa and Illinois follow this law. So keep an eye out if you travel there.

The Purple Paint Law gives landowners the option of marking trees or posts to prevent trespassing. One of the biggest benefits of the purple paint being used for no trespassing is that, unlike signs that can be removed or destroyed, the purple paint is pretty permanent.

The Red Paint Rule In Wisconsin

gardeningknowhow.com claims that one of the uses for this color is to signify the tree is on land that belongs to the U.S. Forest Service. Other Sources go on to say it can mark any property line,

If its a line of red painted trees is a property line. Different Timber companys/land owners use different colors to mark their property lines.

While red paint can also mark a tree "not to cut down" while work is being done in an area... so as long as you're not walking through a construction zone in the woods, odds are seeing markings for a property line.

At this point it's best to just avoid colorful trees in the woods.

You Could Own The Greatest House In The State Of Wisconsin

There's a home in Wisconsin that everyone in the state would call the best house on the market. The house is reasonably priced for the amount of money you could get out of it. Why does this house sound like a gold mine? Because it sits and looks directly at the heart of Title Town U.S.A., the legendary Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers.

Gallery Credit: Cory Blohm, Make A Move Realty LLC

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