Biloxi, Mississippi
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Biloxi
Biloxi's tree ordinance, adopted February 1, 2022 and in effect since March 2, 2022, sets a permit process for three protected species: live oak, bald cypress and southern magnolia. Trees under 8 inches are exempt, and any permit involving a council-designated Majestic Oak goes to the city's Tree Committee.
- County
- Harrison
- Tree rules
- City of Biloxi Tree Ordinance No. 2475 (effective March 2, 2022); Tree Committee
- Key local rule
- Permits for live oak, bald cypress and southern magnolia 8 inches and up; Major Tree Permits for Majestic Oaks
- Electric utility
- Mississippi Power
- Main hazards
- Hurricanes and surge, saltwater, development pressure on old oaks
What Biloxi's ordinance covers
| Tree | Permit needed? | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Live oak, bald cypress or southern magnolia under 8 inches | No | Exempt |
| Same species, 8 inches and up | Yes | City permit, with Tree Committee review for removals |
| Designated Majestic Oak | Yes, Major Tree Permit | Tree Committee approval required |
| Other species | Generally not under this ordinance | Check development rules |
Ordinance 2475
The ordinance created a Tree Committee to review permit applications for removing protected trees and set out the permit process, replacement requirements and penalties. It covers live oak, bald cypress and southern magnolia, the three species most associated with the coast.
Mississippi State University's Master Naturalist program has worked with the city on the Majestic Tree program, documenting notable trees.
What is a Majestic Oak?
A live oak the Biloxi City Council has formally designated for its size, age or significance. Any tree permit involving a Majestic Oak is treated as a Major Tree Permit and needs the Tree Committee's approval. The city's Majestic Tree program has recognized many of the old oaks along the beach and in older neighborhoods.
- Designation
- By City Council.
- Permits
- Major Tree Permit and Tree Committee approval.
- Purpose
- To keep the coast's oldest oaks standing.
Oaks on the beach
Biloxi's oldest live oaks line Beach Boulevard and the historic neighborhoods around the Point and Back Bay. Many stood through Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005, both of which brought surges that destroyed nearly everything else near the shore.
Casino and condo development along the beach since Katrina put pressure on remaining oaks, and the 2022 ordinance was meant to make removals visible and reviewed rather than routine.
Bald cypress grow in the bayous and low ground around Back Bay, and southern magnolias shade older yards across the peninsula.
Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005 each pushed surge well inland, and salt left in the soil killed some trees years after the water receded. Old oaks that survived both storms are among the most valued trees on the coast.
Signs worth an arborist's look
Thinning crown on an old oak after flooding
Saltwater or root damage.
Fungus at the base of a magnolia
Root rot in wet soils.
Construction near an oak's roots
Damage that shows up years later.
Long limbs resting on roofs
Prune rather than remove.
Applying for a Biloxi tree permit
Measure
Is the protected tree 8 inches or larger?
Check for Majestic status
Majestic Oaks need a Major Tree Permit.
Apply
With the reason and photos.
Tree Committee review
For protected tree removals.
Replant
As required by the permit.
Biloxi tree questions
Is a small live oak protected in Biloxi?
Live oaks under 8 inches in diameter are exempt from the permit.
Can I nominate a tree as a Majestic Oak?
Ask the city about the Majestic Tree program and how trees are proposed to the council.
Are pines protected?
The 2022 ordinance focuses on live oak, bald cypress and southern magnolia.
Who reviews the permits?
The city's Tree Committee, created by the ordinance.
What if a Biloxi protected tree comes down without a permit?
The ordinance sets penalties and replacement requirements. Removing a Majestic Oak without approval is treated most seriously.
How should old Biloxi live oaks be pruned?
Lightly, with dead and broken wood removed and interior foliage kept along the limbs. Heavy thinning weakens live oaks in hurricanes.
Reach a tree service in Biloxi
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