Harrison County, MS Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Base requirement
- 3 trees, ~1-inch caliper, per lot
- Native tree credit
- Counts as 2 trees if 3" caliper+
- Fruit/nut tree credit
- Also counts as 2 trees
- Setback from structure
- 10 feet minimum
- Section
- UDC § 828.10
Summary
Single-family lots in unincorporated Harrison County must have at least three one-inch caliper trees, but the code lets homeowners count an existing native tree of three inches or more toward that count instead of planting new stock.
b. The planting of fruit and nut trees is encouraged, because of their importance in regard to local food access. Additionally, the keeping of quality existing native trees with a caliper of three (3) inches or more. One (1) fruit or nut tree or each existing tree will count as two (2) trees toward the required three (3), leaving only one remaining tree to be planted. Recommended fruit and nut trees include citrus, peach, pear, plum, pecan, and persimmons. One canopy tree will also count as two (2) trees toward the required three (3).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
10, 'Single Family Residential Use Tree Requirements,' sets the baseline: every lot developed for single-household residential use must have at least three approximately one-inch caliper trees on the property. ' Each qualifying fruit/nut tree or each existing tree counts as two of the required three, so a homeowner who preserves one mature native tree only has to plant one more to satisfy the whole requirement; recommended fruit and nut species listed include citrus, peach, pear, plum, pecan and persimmon, and one canopy tree also counts double.
Subsection (c) adds a placement limit: no tree may be planted closer than ten feet to a structure. 06's Tree Preservation Credit, where the Administrator may authorize up to a 10 percent reduction in required parking if preserving a protected tree on-site would otherwise force its removal, a preserved four-inch-caliper tree there counts as two trees, provided it is healthy, and the credit is revoked if the tree is later damaged by construction, broken branches, or soil compaction/cut-fill.
Violations & Fines
Failure to meet the tree-planting requirement on a residential lot is enforceable by the Zoning Officer under UDC § 1409, beginning with written notice or a Cease and Desist Order. A knowing, willful violation is a misdemeanor under § 1409.03, punishable by a fine of up to $100.00 plus court costs, with each day of continued non-compliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an existing native tree instead of planting new ones?
Does a fruit or nut tree count toward the requirement?
How close to my house can a required tree be planted?
Is there a similar tree-preservation credit for commercial sites?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harrison County
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