Skip to content
US tree service companies only · Calls answered in US hours · Founding-client pricing until December 15, 2026
Lirevon
Free audit

State rules · Mississippi

Tree service license in Mississippi

State license required

Mississippi has a Tree Surgery License run by the Bureau of Plant Industry at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC). It is required if you advertise as a licensed, bonded or insured tree surgeon and get paid for the work. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Checked 25 October 2026. Rules change. Verify with the state agency and your city before you work. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Tree work license

State license required

MDAC says a Tree Surgery License is required for people who advertise (in a phone book, newspaper, newsletter, bulletin, the internet or a sign) as a licensed, bonded or insured tree surgeon and get paid for the work. MDAC also says nothing stops a person from doing this work as long as their advertising does not use the words licensed, bonded or insured. MDAC requires a certificate of liability insurance of at least $100,000 before it issues the license. Because many companies advertise that they are insured, read the MDAC page and ask the Bureau if you are unsure.

Official source

Pesticide and plant health care

MDAC's Bureau of Plant Industry says a commercial applicator certification does not let a person apply pesticides for a fee. A professional services license lets a person use any pesticide, general or restricted use, to perform services for hire. Check the MDAC pesticide program pages for the category that fits tree and ornamental work.

Official sources

Contractor license

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors says commercial and residential contractors and roofers must be licensed by the Board. We could not confirm on the Board's site the dollar thresholds or whether tree-only work is covered, so call the Board before you bid large jobs.

Official source

Local permits and tree rules

Cities and counties can require their own business licenses, permits and tree rules, so check with the local office before work starts.

Check with the city or county where each job is. Homeowners often ask about this too; you can send them our plain guide to tree permits.

Insurance basics

MDAC sets a liability insurance minimum for the Tree Surgery License; beyond that, many customers ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation coverage, so talk to a licensed insurance agent.

General information, not insurance advice. Talk with a licensed agent who knows tree work. More in insurance for tree services, or rough your cost with the workers comp estimator.

Short explanation, not legal advice. Checked 25 October 2026. If a link is broken or a rule has changed, tell us at hello@lirevon.com and we will update this page.

Next steps for a Mississippi tree company

For tree service owners

Mississippi license questions

Do I need a state license to do tree work in Mississippi?

Mississippi requires a state license for at least some tree work. MDAC says a Tree Surgery License is required for people who advertise (in a phone book, newspaper, newsletter, bulletin, the internet or a sign) as a licensed, bonded or insured tree surgeon and get paid for the work. MDAC also says nothing stops a person from doing this work as long as their advertising does not use the words licensed, bonded or insured. MDAC requires a certificate of liability insurance of at least $100,000 before it issues the license. Because many companies advertise that they are insured, read the MDAC page and ask the Bureau if you are unsure. Checked 25 October 2026. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Do I need a pesticide license for plant health care in Mississippi?

MDAC's Bureau of Plant Industry says a commercial applicator certification does not let a person apply pesticides for a fee. A professional services license lets a person use any pesticide, general or restricted use, to perform services for hire. Check the MDAC pesticide program pages for the category that fits tree and ornamental work. Confirm the exact license category with the Mississippi pesticide program before you spray or inject trees for pay.

Do I need a contractor license for tree removal in Mississippi?

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors says commercial and residential contractors and roofers must be licensed by the Board. We could not confirm on the Board's site the dollar thresholds or whether tree-only work is covered, so call the Board before you bid large jobs. Check with the licensing board if a job is large or includes other construction work.

Do cities in Mississippi have their own tree permits?

Cities and counties can require their own business licenses, permits and tree rules, so check with the local office before work starts. Check with the city or county where each job is, not only where your shop is.

What insurance should a tree service in Mississippi carry?

MDAC sets a liability insurance minimum for the Tree Surgery License; beyond that, many customers ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation coverage, so talk to a licensed insurance agent. Talk with a licensed insurance agent who knows tree work. General information, not insurance advice.

How current are these Mississippi rules?

We checked them on 25 October 2026 and linked 4 official sources on this page. Rules, fees and websites change, so confirm with the agency before you bid or work.

Own a tree service in Mississippi?

Answer every tree call, even after hours

Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for you. See what your calls are missing with a free audit.

Get my free auditSee pricing

Powered by Lirevon