Southaven, MS Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Chapter 11 of Title XIII exists to control the clearing of trees and wood vegetation inside the City of Southaven and to protect existing hardwood trees and their root systems. Sec. 13-11(c)(a) lists what needs no removal permit or tree survey: an unplatted residential parcel of five (5) acres or less with an occupied dwelling, any residential lot one (1) acre in size or less, agricultural property that stays agricultural, land in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (intent of removal is still submitted to the office of development), and trees injured or destroyed during acts of God. Every other condition is nonexempt.

For nonexempt sites, the owner or developer files an intent of removal application with the office of development before any tree comes down, no more than forty-five (45) days and no less than fourteen (14) days ahead. That filing gives no right of removal. It starts staff review. A tree survey of all hardwood trees larger than two-inch caliper is also required when obvious tree lines are visible, the site is more than one (1) acre, the site is zoned nonagriculturally, or the governing authority asks for it. Fees and permits are also required.

Removed trees are replaced with live trees of no less than three and one-half-inch caliper, at a 2:1 ratio. A 1:1 ratio is available if the replacements greatly exceed that caliper, with administrative approval. Where the parcel cannot support replanting, the developer contributes to a city tree bank equal to the cost of the required replacement trees. Sec. 13-11(d) requires a barrier or temporary fencing at least three (3) feet high from the trunk to ten (10) feet out on all sides of preserved trees, and the owner maintains plantings for one (1) year after the certificate of occupancy. Under Sec. 13-11(e) a permit expires if work has not started within twelve (12) months.