Would you like to have a fruit tree in your yard without spending a single dollar? Well, on Sunday, thousands of residents will have that chance.
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Miami-Dade will wrap up its 2026 “Adopt-a-Tree” season with a major giveaway at Zoo Miami, where more than 2,500 trees will be distributed free to eligible homeowners.
And there’s an extra perk: eligible residents can take home up to two trees per household per year.
Distribution starts at 8:30 a.m. and is scheduled to run until 11:30 a.m., or until the trees run out. The event will be held at 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, and parking will be free.
Fruit trees, native trees and species for South Florida
This isn’t just about taking home any tree.
Species expected at this event include grafted mango, jaboticaba, achacha, soursop, sugar apple, crabwood, Jamaican Caper Tree, Simpson’s Stopper and Spanish Stopper. Selection will be available while supplies last and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For anyone dreaming of picking mangos from their backyard a few years from now, the grafted mango could be one of the day’s highlights. There are also options that can provide food, shade, beauty and habitat for wildlife.
But there’s one important rule: pre-registering does not mean you’re guaranteed a specific species. Quantities are limited.
The key is to register before you go
The program is intended for owners of single-family homes and duplexes located in Miami-Dade. The county also recommends reviewing the requirements before heading to the event.
And if you have questions, you can call 3-1-1.
An event with more than just trees, the day will also have a festive feel.
Burnie, the Miami Heat mascot, and the Miami Heat dancers will be there to join the celebration.
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Plus, attendees will be able to find other community services. There will be pet adoptions through Miami-Dade Animal Services and free cafecito.
There will also be a chance to make small changes at home that can help reduce water and electricity use.
Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department will allow residents to swap up to two non–high-efficiency showerheads for new, efficient models.
You can also exchange up to three incandescent light bulbs for energy-saving LED bulbs, all free while supplies last.
Shade that can last for decades
Behind the free giveaway is a much bigger push.
Miami-Dade is working to increase its urban tree canopy to 30%, using trees as a tool to fight the heat, improve residential areas and make neighborhoods greener.
The “Adopt-a-Tree” program began in 2001 and has already distributed more than 250,000 trees to county residents. In just the first two events of 2026, more than 5,000 trees were given away, and Miami-Dade expects to surpass 7,500 trees distributed this year.
A special opportunity for service members
The event is also part of the Miami-Dade 250 celebrations.
As part of that commemoration, veterans and active-duty members of the Armed Forces who present ID will have access to an expedited process to adopt their two trees.
This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An NBC6 digital editor reviewed the translation.
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