Tree Removal Cost in Mississippi
Tree removal in Mississippi averages around $585 per tree — roughly 22% below the national average — thanks to a competitive regional labor market and lower equipment overhead costs across the state. However, Mississippi's subtropical humidity, frequent storm activity, and the prevalence of fast-growing species like water oaks and loblolly pines mean homeowners often deal with more urgent, hazard-driven removals than in drier states. Whether you're clearing storm-damaged trees after a Gulf Coast hurricane or managing overgrown hardwoods on a rural property in the Delta, understanding local pricing factors will help you budget with confidence.
Cost Calculator
Cost breakdown
| Item | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small tree (under 30 ft) | $156 | $390 | per tree |
| Medium tree (30-60 ft) | $390 | $780 | per tree |
| Large tree (60-100 ft) | $780 | $1,560 | per tree |
| Extra large (100+ ft) | $1,560 | $3,900 | per tree |
What affects the cost
These are the main variables that shift the final price up or down.
- Medium impact
Taller trees and dense hardwoods like live oaks and loblolly pines require more labor and equipment, driving up costs in Mississippi.
- Medium impact
Mississippi's frequent thunderstorms and hurricane season create a high volume of emergency removals, which carry surcharges due to unpredictable structural conditions.
- Medium impact
Clay-heavy soils common across Mississippi make stump and root extraction more difficult and can increase equipment costs significantly.
- Medium impact
Trees near older homes, power lines, or fences — common in Mississippi's historic neighborhoods — require section-by-section removal and add labor time.
- Medium impact
These are almost always quoted as add-ons in Mississippi. Hauling runs $50–$150 and stump grinding $75–$150 depending on size.
- Medium impact
Post-storm surges and peak summer heat push prices up. Late winter is the most cost-effective time to schedule removal in Mississippi.
How tree removal cost in mississippi (2025 guide) pricing works
Mississippi tree removal is priced per tree, with the final cost shaped by the tree's height, trunk diameter, species, and proximity to structures. Arborists in Mississippi typically assess whether a tree can be felled in one piece — common on the state's many rural and semi-rural properties with open land — or must be rigged and lowered in sections, which is more common near older homes in Jackson, Hattiesburg, or Gulfport neighborhoods. Stump grinding, debris hauling, and log splitting are almost always quoted as add-ons. Because Mississippi sees frequent thunderstorm and hurricane seasons, many companies also factor in emergency surcharges for storm-damaged trees with compromised structural integrity.
Tree Removal Cost Breakdown in Mississippi
Mississippi's lower cost of living and abundant regional arborist workforce push tree removal prices below the national average, but several local factors — including the state's clay-heavy soils, aggressive storm seasons, and dense hardwood canopy common across central and southern Mississippi — can push individual jobs toward the higher end of the range.
Small Trees (Under 30 Feet): $156–$390
Small trees such as crepe myrtles, young sweetgums, and ornamental dogwoods are the most affordable to remove in Mississippi, typically running between $156 and $390. Crews can usually fell and chip these in under two hours with minimal equipment. Mississippi homeowners should note that crepe myrtles — ubiquitous across the state — are frequently removed after years of aggressive pruning damage, making this one of the most common small-tree jobs in the region. Stump grinding adds roughly $75–$150 in Mississippi, slightly below the national norm.
Medium Trees (30–60 Feet): $390–$780
This is the most common removal tier in Mississippi. Mature water oaks, loblolly pines, and pecan trees fall squarely in this category and are found in abundance across residential neighborhoods statewide. Expect to pay $390–$780 per tree. Mississippi's clay soils can make root systems particularly stubborn, complicating stump removal and occasionally requiring a skid steer or excavator for full extraction — budget an additional $200–$400 if full stump-and-root removal is needed. Storm-damaged trees in this size range may carry a 15–25% emergency surcharge during peak hurricane season (June–November).
Large and Hazard Trees (Over 60 Feet): $780–$1,170
Mississippi's old-growth hardwoods — including massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss along the Gulf Coast and towering loblolly pines throughout the Piney Woods region — represent the most complex and expensive removals. Costs range from $780 to $1,170 or more. These jobs demand bucket trucks or cranes, experienced rigging crews, and careful planning to protect nearby structures. Older homes in historic Mississippi neighborhoods like Natchez or Ocean Springs often sit beneath canopy trees that have grown into or over rooflines, requiring section-by-section dismantling rather than a clean fell.
Mississippi does not require a statewide permit for routine tree removal on private property, but municipalities like Jackson and Gulfport have local tree ordinances that may require permits for trees above a certain diameter — always check with your local city or county office before proceeding. Licensed contractors in Mississippi must carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance; always verify credentials before hiring.
When to hire a pro
In Mississippi, the best time to schedule non-emergency tree removal is late winter — January through early March — when demand is lower, deciduous trees are leafless (making assessment and removal easier), and arborist schedules are more flexible. Avoid trying to book routine removals in the immediate aftermath of a named storm, when crews are overwhelmed with emergency work across the state and prices spike accordingly. If a tree is leaning toward your home, showing signs of fungal infection at the base, or was struck by lightning — all common scenarios in Mississippi's storm-prone climate — treat it as urgent and call a certified arborist immediately regardless of season.
Frequently asked questions
Mississippi has no statewide permit requirement for removing trees on private property. However, cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg have local tree ordinances that may require permits for large-diameter trees or removal in certain zoning districts. Always check with your local municipality before cutting down a significant tree.
Mississippi's lower overall cost of living, competitive regional labor market, and high concentration of tree service companies — particularly in areas accustomed to storm cleanup — keep prices roughly 22% below the national average. The adjusted Mississippi average is about $585 per tree.
During and immediately after major storm events between June and November, emergency tree removal demand surges across Mississippi. Contractors frequently apply surcharges of 15–30% for hazard removals, and scheduling delays of days or even weeks are common. If possible, address at-risk trees before hurricane season begins.
Water oaks, loblolly pines, sweetgums, pecan trees, and crepe myrtles are among the most frequently removed species in Mississippi. Water oaks in particular are notorious for becoming hazardous as they age — they tend to rot from the inside out, making them a top concern for Mississippi homeowners.
Yes. Much of Mississippi — especially the Delta and central regions — has dense clay soil that grips root systems tightly. Full stump-and-root extraction in clay soil can require heavy equipment and add $200–$400 to your total bill. Standard stump grinding, which leaves the roots in place, is a more affordable alternative at $75–$150 in Mississippi.