Protecting our Tree Canopy

From advancing emissions-free buses to energy-saving street illumination and flood mitigation to protecting tree canopy and native vegetation, DTPW is committed to improving transportation in ways that are resilient to climate impacts now and sustainable for future generations. 

To achieve these goals, the department is prioritizing, as part of its Public Works projects, the enhancement of tree resources through several impactful measures, including the relocation and preservation of trees within the public right-of-way and the design of shared-use paths that meander around trees to minimize impacts to tree resources while still providing important connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists.

In addition, we are safeguarding our unique ecosystem through the innovative design of streetscape improvements to minimize impacts to trees and partnering with homeowners for the relocation of trees onto private property and to area parks.

In short, DTPW is prioritizing the enhancement of tree resources through several impactful measures such as:

• Design of streetscape improvements in a manner that minimizes impacts to trees and native vegetation
• Relocation and preservation of suitable tree specimens within public right-of-way
• Partnering with homeowners for the relocation of trees onto private property for preservation
• Funding contributions to Miami-Dade County’s Tree Trust Fund.

Additionally, two major construction projects, The Underline and the South Dade Transit Operations Center (SDTOC) have or will plant more than 100,000 new trees and plants. The department also contributes to the Tree Trust Fund for the planting of new trees throughout the County. 

These tree preservation efforts align with the County’s environmental protection and preservation policies and serve as the model for all current and future infrastructure improvement projects.