Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove homeowners can bring home up to two free trees on Saturday, July 25, when Miami-Dade County's Adopt-a-Tree program returns to FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami.

The county's Department of Environmental Resources Management will give away more than 2,500 trees starting at 8:30 a.m. at 3000 NE 151st St. Distribution runs until 11:30 a.m. or until supplies run out.

Pre-registration is open at miamidade.gov/adoptatree. Signing up confirms eligibility and speeds pickup, though it does not guarantee a specific species.

Who qualifies

Owners of single-family homes and duplexes in Miami-Dade County are eligible for up to two free trees per year. Renters may also participate with their property owner's written permission. Veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID will receive expedited service as part of the county's Miami-Dade 250 celebration, marking the area's 250th anniversary.

What's available

Twelve species will be available, according to event organizers: Barbados Cherry, Cinnamon Bark, Firebush, Jaboticaba, Locustberry, Mamey, Paradise Tree, Pigeon Plum, Red Mulberry, Sugar Apple, Wax Jambu and White Stopper.

Why it matters locally

Loren Parra, Miami-Dade's chief resilience officer and DERM director, said the program is central to the county's goal of expanding tree canopy coverage to 30%.

Since its launch in 2001, Adopt-a-Tree has distributed more than 250,000 free trees to county homeowners.

Miami-Dade launched its Urban Forestry Plan in 2025, prioritizing neighborhoods with low tree canopy and high heat exposure. For homeowners who lost mature trees to storms, the program offers a no-cost way to replant.

"Adopt-a-Tree is one of Miami-Dade County's top efforts to expand our tree canopy to 30 percent," Parra said in a county statement. "By focusing on eligible homeowners, we're helping ensure these trees are planted, cared for, and given enough green space to thrive for decades ahead."

Bonus at the event

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department will swap old showerheads and incandescent light bulbs for free high-efficiency showerheads and LED light bulbs while supplies last.

Upcoming community calendar

Saturday, July 25: Adopt-a-Tree giveaway, 8:30-11:30 a.m., FIU Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 NE 151st St., North Miami. Pre-register at miamidade.gov/adoptatree.

Sunday, Sept. 13: Third and final 2026 Adopt-a-Tree event, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami.