Rankin County and its municipalities regulate tree trimming primarily through nuisance ordinances and right-of-way maintenance rules rather than a formal tree preservation program. Property owners must keep trees trimmed back to provide 8-foot clearance over sidewalks and 14-foot clearance over streets in Brandon, Pearl, Richland, and Flowood. Storm-damaged tree removal is permitted without a permit for safety. Utility companies retain statutory trimming authority under MS Code Ann. §77-3-33, and Mississippi's frequent severe weather makes tree maintenance a continuing concern.
Rankin County does not maintain a countywide tree preservation ordinance, and its incorporated cities generally have modest tree-protection rules compared to large metros. Brandon's Code of Ordinances and Pearl's Code require that property owners maintain trees so branches do not obstruct sidewalks (minimum 8-foot vertical clearance), streets (minimum 14-foot clearance), streetlights, or traffic signage. When a property owner fails to trim, the city may serve a notice and perform the work itself, billing the owner. The Mississippi Forestry Commission under MS Code Ann. §49-19-1 et seq. provides technical assistance through its Urban and Community Forestry program but does not enforce local tree rules. Utility companies (Entergy, Central Electric Power, and communications providers) have statutory authority under MS Code Ann. §77-3-33 and §77-5-205 to trim vegetation within their easements near power lines without individual homeowner consent, though they typically provide advance notice. Mississippi is frequently hit by severe thunderstorms, tornadoes (including the devastating 2020 and 2022 central MS outbreaks), and remnants of Gulf hurricanes, so emergency removal of storm-damaged, split, or hazard trees is routinely permitted without a permit. Some Rankin County HOAs, particularly older and more established subdivisions, maintain private tree-removal approval processes. Heritage or landmark trees with specific local designation are rare in Rankin but may exist in downtown Brandon.
Obstruction of a public sidewalk or street by overhanging branches typically triggers a written notice giving the owner 14 to 30 days to trim. Failure to comply allows the city to trim at the owner's expense, with fines of $100 to $500 for continued non-compliance. HOA violations for unauthorized tree removal or trimming can result in covenant fines and replacement plantings. Damage to utility lines from untrimmed trees can expose the property owner to civil liability for repair costs.
See how Rankin County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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