Gulfport, Mississippi
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Gulfport
In February 2025, Gulfport's City Council adopted, by a 4 to 2 vote, an ordinance requiring a permit to remove protected trees, including live oaks, southern magnolias and other mature trees. Removed trees must be replaced with new plantings, and a revision under discussion would put permit duties directly on contractors.
- County
- Harrison
- Tree rules
- City of Gulfport tree ordinance (adopted February 2025)
- Key local rule
- Permit to remove protected trees such as live oak and southern magnolia; replacement planting required
- Electric utility
- Mississippi Power
- Main hazards
- Hurricanes and storm surge, saltwater, old live oaks along Highway 90
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Gulfport?
For protected trees, yes, under the ordinance adopted in February 2025. Protected trees include live oaks, southern magnolias and other trees of a set age and maturity. Before 2025 the city's rules exempted trees on residential property, so check the current text, which may cover some home lots that the old rules did not.
- Protected species
- Live oak, southern magnolia and other mature trees named in the ordinance.
- Replacement
- New trees must be planted for each removal.
- Contractors
- A proposed revision would require contractors to hold permits directly.
Live oaks after Katrina
Hurricane Katrina's storm surge in August 2005 pushed far inland along the Mississippi coast and flattened most buildings along the beach in Gulfport and Biloxi. Many of the live oaks along Highway 90 survived the wind and water when the houses around them did not.
Saltwater soaked their roots for days, and some declined over the following years. Others recovered and became symbols of the coast's recovery, with artists carving storm-killed oaks into sculptures.
Those survivors are a big reason local residents pushed for stronger protection of mature oaks as the coast rebuilt and developed.
The 2025 ordinance
A revised version was tabled in January 2025 so the council could take more public comment, then adopted in February. Changes under discussion included raising the size and number of replacement trees and requiring contractors to obtain permits themselves, to end what officials called the ask-for-forgiveness approach of cutting first.
The city has long been protective of its biggest live oaks. In 2017 it turned down a daycare owner's request to remove a live oak estimated at 200 years old.
Mississippi Coast warning signs
Dieback after surge or king tides
Salt damage to roots.
Water and laurel oaks with decay
Short-lived oaks that fail in storms.
Pines leaning after tropical storms
Sandy, wet soils.
Live oak limbs over roofs
Usually a pruning job.
Removing a protected tree in Gulfport
Identify and measure
Species and trunk size.
Apply to the city
Before any cutting.
Plan replacements
Number and size as the ordinance requires.
Hire a qualified crew
Contractors may need their own permit under the revision.
How coast trees handle hurricanes
| Tree | Hurricane performance |
|---|---|
| Live oak | Very strong |
| Southern magnolia | Moderate to strong |
| Sabal palm | Strong |
| Slash and loblolly pine | Many snapped |
| Water and laurel oak | Weak |
Gulfport tree questions
Does Biloxi have the same ordinance?
No. Biloxi adopted its own tree ordinance in 2022, protecting live oak, bald cypress and southern magnolia from 8 inches.
Can I prune a live oak without a permit?
Check the ordinance. Heavy pruning of protected trees can be regulated as well as removal.
Who handles trees along Highway 90?
Trees in public and state right-of-way are managed by the city or the state, not adjacent owners.
Did the 2025 ordinance pass unanimously?
No. The council approved it 4 to 2.
How large must replacement trees be?
The ordinance sets the number and size of replacements. A revision under discussion would increase both.
What trees should be planted on the Mississippi coast?
Live oak, southern magnolia, bald cypress in wet areas and sabal palm all handle coastal storms well.
Reach a tree service in Gulfport
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Gulfport area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
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