Miami Beach Throws a Little Shade on Residents and Businesses

Miami Beach, FL – On an island with no shortage of sunny days, the City of Miami Beach is inviting residents and businesses to participate in placing some much-needed shade — inviting them to suggest help plan where new trees should be planted as a part of a community-driven campaign that will add much needed shade, reduce extreme heat and beautify city corridors.

“Our residents are the true guardians of our island’s beauty, and we know how deeply they value our urban canopy,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “By planting the right native species in the right places, we are honoring the community’s passion for preserving the natural character of our city, all while enhancing the walkability and daily quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

Under the new Let Us Throw You Some Shade campaign, the Environment and Sustainability Department will review suggestions to make sure locations are suitable. Experts will consider factors like below ground infrastructure, overhead utilities, travel lanes, bike lanes and parking.

The city will install and maintain each tree for the first three months with a one-year warranty to guarantee the tree’s survival. After those initial months, residents and businesses will take the lead in regularly watering the trees, pruning them and keeping them clear of obstructions. By City Code, private property owners are generally responsible for maintaining their swale areas, including trees. The program is available to residents of single-family homes, apartments and condominiums in Miami Beach with prior authorization from their relevant homeowners or condominium associations. It is also open to business owners or tenants with authorization from the property owner or manager.

The project is funded by the city’s 2018 voter-led General Obligation Bond. Online applications will be accepted from Jan. 12 through March 31, with planting scheduled between summer and early fall.

Available trees may include bulnesia (verawood), crape myrtle, dahoon holly, green buttonwood, gumbo limbo, live oak, pigeon plum, powderpuff, silver buttonwood, Simpson stopper, Spanish stopper and wild tamarind.  Experts will use the ‘Right Tree Right Place’ approach to properly size the trees to available planting space and to avoid future growth conflicts.

This effort supports the Urban Forestry Master Plan goal to increase the tree canopy from 17% to 22%. Miami Beach faces unique resilience challenges for long-term canopy growth including limited growing space and rising groundwater and saltwater.

For more information, visit mbrisingabove.com/throwshade.

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