If you had a severe case of mango envy earlier this summer, wishing your home had a tree that produced the sweet, juicy fruit, then all you need is a piece of land and a little patience.
Miami-Dade is holding a tree giveaway on Sunday, September 14, at Miami Dade College's North Campus. From 9 a.m. to noon (rain or shine), homeowners can get their choice of two baby trees, while supplies last.
See also: Six Mango Dishes to Try in Miami
Tree species include mango, jackfruit, sugar apple, Indian tamarind, green buttonwood, and pigeon plum.
The trees are part of an ongoing program by the county to help beautify neighborhoods. According to the Miami-Dade website, not only do the trees bear fruit, but they can reduce air conditioning costs by providing shade to your home. Trees can also improve your home's real estate value by beautifying your property and reduce flooding by absorbing excess rain water. And, of course, the more trees we plant, the more we can reduce the carbon dioxide in the air we breathe.
In 2013, more than 7,000 trees were given away to Miami-Dade residents through the Adopt-a-Tree Program.
Each homeowner can receive two trees per year from the county. In order to get your free tree, you must present photo identification with the residential property address indicated on the ID. You must also own your property and have sufficient room to plant the baby trees.
Renters can also get trees as long as they have written permission from the property owner to plant them.
In general, condo owners, apartment dwellers, and trailer park residents are not eligible for trees, but owners of townhomes are, with authorization from the homeowners association.
If you have any questions about eligibility and exemptions, you can send an email to [email protected] or call 305-372-6784.
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