MADISON, Wis. -- A Madison group is working to plant fruit and nut trees in the city's parks, but proponents of "edible landscaping" said they are concerned the city of Madison's requirements are too strict.

The idea is to have residents plant and maintain fruit and nut trees in Madison parks, and the public could be allowed to pick the fruit and nuts.

The issue is over the city's requirement for these groups to lease the public land and provide $1 million worth of liability insurance, similar to the city's community garden program, WISC-TV reported.

Jim Winkle, member of the group Madison Fruits and Nuts, has fruit trees planted in the quiet Jessica Bullen garden and orchard.

"We have five cherry trees in the back. We have a Russian quince," said Winkle, who helped create the orchard in honor of a friend. "We have a couple of plum trees and a peach tree."

While the fruit trees in the Bullen orchard sit on the property of the Madison Streets Department, Madison Fruits and Nuts would like to plant more in city parks.

But proponents of edible landscaping said the Madison Parks Division's lease and liability requirements are just too stringent.

"You need a lease, which is $200," said Percy Mather, an edible landscaping supporter. "You need to have that area surveyed; you need a certificate showing $1 million of liability insurance, and for low income groups, this is a significant obstacle."

"Well, No. 1, some neighborhoods aren't going to be able to afford that." said Jim Winkle, member of the group Madison Fruits and Nuts. "No. 2, they're not going to have the wherewithal to … you know, it takes a lot of organizing to deal with all this paperwork. It's going to really stunt the growth of edible landscaping in Madison."

The city Parks Department said the requirements are there to better manage edible landscaping, should the trend continue to grow.

"It protects the public property," said Laura Whitmore, with Madison Parks. "And it protects any of the users that are going to be in the park, whether they are there for recreational purposes or they're just walking through."

Winkle said the risks that come with these fruit trees pale in comparison to the community's benefit.

"There are much more dangerous things that you can do in a park besides planting fruit trees," said Winkle.

Madison Fruits and Nuts is hoping to convince the city parks commissioners to drop or amend the current requirements at a meeting Wednesday night at Warner Park.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.