New ordinance aimed at preserving trees in Gulfport

Earlier this week, the Gulfport City Council voted 4 to 2 to adopt a new ordinance to preserve the city’s tree canopy.

The ordinance now requires a permit before any protected trees can be removed.

If a person does remove a tree, they will have to replace it by planting a new tree at the same spot it was removed.

Protected trees consist of Live Oak, Southern Magnolia, and other trees based on age and maturity. 

With many protected trees being removed around the city, Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes said the city had to step in.

Also part of the ordinance, if a replacement tree isn’t planted after removing a tree, monetary contributions can be made.