HATTIESBURG — The City of Hattiesburg will soon replace diseased and invasive trees in its downtown area using a grant from the Mississippi Forestry Commission. 

The city received more than $16,000 through the commission’s urban forestry program to replant trees, a project Alex Ballard, the commission’s urban and community forestry coordinator, said is expected to begin “as soon as possible.” 

He said Hattiesburg maintains a comprehensive inventory of its trees, including general health ratings that help city officials identify which tress pose long-term problems.

“They have now identified some that are unhealthy or invasive, and those trees have been removed,” Ballard said. “The purpose of this grant is to help put those trees back.” 

Keith Brister, who has worked at Blu Jazz Cafe for three years, said adding more trees could support economic activity in the area and attract visitors. 

“I think it’s real important in the sake of making everything look more scenic,” he said. “Seeing all the improvements that have happened to Downtown already — adding trees, making it more beautiful — why not?” 

Beyond aesthetics, the Mississippi Forestry Commission points to broader benefits of urban trees, including property values, improved air and water quality, shade that reduces energy use, slower stormwater runoff and habitat for wildlife. 

“For urban forestry or municipal forestry to work, you need healthy trees to get the benefits from those trees,” Ballard said. “If they’re unhealthy, you’re not going to get the benefits.”  

Ballard said the City of Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation Division will oversee and carry out the project. The city does not expect to use outside volunteers during the planting process.