Harrison County Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming Rules (2026)

Harrison County manages trees through municipal tree preservation ordinances and MS Code Ann. §17-1-1. Gulfport's tree preservation ordinance and Biloxi's Land Development Ordinance require permits to remove trees with 6-12 inch DBH (diameter at breast height) or larger on private developed property. Live oaks (Quercus virginiana), the iconic coastal species, enjoy heightened protection in Gulfport, Biloxi, and Long Beach, often requiring arborist certification before removal and mandatory replacement planting. Specimen trees and heritage oaks over 24 inches DBH may face outright removal prohibitions except for safety hazards. Property owners must maintain trees overhanging sidewalks (minimum 8 feet clearance) and streets (minimum 14 feet clearance) per local municipal code. Hurricane preparedness is a major consideration: Harrison County Emergency Management recommends pre-season trimming of weak limbs, and emergency removal of storm-damaged trees is permitted without permit under MS Code §33-15 emergency authority. Utility companies (Mississippi Power, Singing River Electric) have statutory rights to trim trees near power lines under MS Code Ann. §77-3-33. The Mississippi Forestry Commission provides technical assistance but does not enforce local ordinances. Post-Katrina reforestation efforts make heritage tree preservation a community priority.