Miami-Dade County began a free fruit‑tree giveaway on Saturday at Zoo Miami, offering more than 2,500 trees to eligible homeowners who can claim up to two trees per household.
The distribution is the final event of the county’s 2026 Adopt‑a‑Tree program, which has provided residents with fruit‑bearing trees at no cost throughout the year.
Homeowners who meet the program’s eligibility criteria can arrive at the zoo beginning at 8:30 a.m. to select their trees, with the county staff overseeing the process to ensure each household receives no more than the allotted two trees.
The giveaway aims to encourage urban greening and give residents the opportunity to grow their own fruit, contributing to local food sustainability and enhancing neighborhood aesthetics.
With more than 2,500 trees slated for distribution, the event is expected to draw a sizable crowd, marking the conclusion of this year’s tree‑planting initiative and setting the stage for future programs aimed at expanding Miami‑Dade’s green canopy.
The Adopt‑a‑Tree initiative, introduced earlier in 2026, invites county residents to select from a variety of fruit‑bearing species, such as mango, avocado, and citrus, at no charge. By supplying the trees directly to homeowners, the program seeks to foster personal gardening efforts and increase the urban tree canopy without requiring participants to purchase seedlings.
Zoo Miami served as the distribution site, offering ample parking and open areas where volunteers could organize the trees for easy pick‑up. Attendees were encouraged to explore the zoo’s exhibits after receiving their trees, creating a community‑focused event that blended environmental outreach with family recreation.