Adopt-a-Tree Program returns with free tree giveaway, May 18

The annual Adopt-a-Tree program is back for 2025 featuring three opportunities for tree giveaways. The first event will be held Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. at Miami Central Senior High School, 1781 NW 95th Street, Miami, FL 33147.

"Trees are not only beautiful additions to our landscape, they are vital to our health and the well-being of our planet," stated Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "By planting trees, we’re making an investment in our future, ensuring cleaner air, cooler temperatures, and a greener, more sustainable environment for generations to come. I encourage all residents to take part in this tree giveaway, as each tree we plant today is a gift for tomorrow."

Homeowners of single-family and duplex properties in Miami-Dade County are eligible to receive up to two free trees, from a selection of native species. While preregistration is available to streamline the process, it does not guarantee specific tree preferences or availability once supplies are exhausted.

Future giveaway events are scheduled as follows:

• Saturday, June 28 at Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132.
• Saturday, September 6 at Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St., Cutler Bay, FL 33189.

“This Adopt-a-Tree season we’re on track to give away the 250,000th tree since the program’s inception. This is a major milestone showcasing the success of a 25-year long program that not only gives away two free trees to eligible homeowners each year, but also is a premier education event, sharing expert advice from DERM staff on proper planting and maintenance to optimize tree health and sustain growth of our tree canopy," said Lisa Spadafina, assistant director of the Department of  Regulatory and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental Resources Management.

Planting trees offers numerous benefits, including reducing air-conditioning costs through shade, mitigating flooding by absorbing excess rainwater, and absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps combat climate change. Additionally, trees provide natural habitats for wildlife and enhance property aesthetics, potentially increasing real estate value. Miami-Dade County recently released its Urban Forestry Plan, a blueprint to reach the County’s goal of 30 percent urban tree canopy cover.

The Adopt-a-Tree program was established through collaboration among community groups, agricultural interests, and government agencies, all aiming to address the depleted tree canopy in Miami-Dade County. Since its inception in July 2001, the program has successfully distributed over 246,000 trees, raising awareness of the importance of shade trees.

For additional information, including the eligibility requirements, and volunteering opportunities, visit the Adopt-a-Tree website or call 3-1-1.