Adopt-a-Tree program is back for 2024, event to take place May 18

The popular Adopt-a-Tree program is back for 2024 and will hold a free tree giveaway on Saturday, May 18, at 9 a.m.  at the Miami Dade College North Campus, 11380 NW 27 Avenue (Building 9, Lot 7).

"Trees are not just beautiful additions to our landscape; they are essential to our health and the health of our planet,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.  “Planting trees is investing in our future, ensuring cleaner air, cooler temperatures, and a greener, more sustainable tomorrow for all. I encourage residents to take advantage of this tree giveaway, knowing that each tree we plant today is a gift to future generations."

Single-family and duplex homeowners who live in Miami-Dade County qualify to receive two free trees and will be able to choose from a variety of tree species.  To save time, pre-registration  is available, however, it does not guarantee trees or tree preferences when supplies run out.

The schedule for the remaining giveaway events is as follows: 

• Saturday, July 20 at the City of Homestead’s Harris Field Park located at 1034 NE 8th St., Homestead, FL 33030.

• Sunday, October 6 at Miami Dade College Kendall Campus located at 11011 SW 104th St, Miami, FL 33176

"Adopt-a-Tree is a win-win initiative for homeowners and the environment. Homeowners receive two free Florida native trees to plant, replenishing their tree canopy, and gain valuable insights from DERM staff on proper care for optimal growth. Overall, it's a fantastic endeavor for both the environment and the community," stated Lourdes Gomez, Director of the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources.

Planting a tree provides many benefits: it reduces air-conditioning costs by providing shade; reduces flooding by absorbing excess rainwater and increasing infiltration of stormwater; removes significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the air, which reduces the impact on climate change; provides a natural habitat for wildlife; and improves a home's appearance, which can help to increase a property's real estate value.

The Water and Sewer Department will be at the event exchanging up to two non-high efficiency showerheads and three incandescent light bulbs for high-efficiency showerheads and compact fluorescent light bulbs for free for those residents who bring their old showerheads and incandescent light bulbs to the event (while supplies last).

The Adopt-a-Tree program was created in 2001 to help increase the tree canopy of Miami-Dade County. Since then, more than 229,000 free trees have been given away within the community. For additional information, including the eligibility requirements, and volunteering opportunities, visit the Adopt-a-Tree website or call 3-1-1.