Miami is trying to weaken tree canopy protections. Here’s why that’s dangerous | Opinion

Miami’s tree canopy is more than just a source of shade. It is a vital resource in our fight against flooding, rising temperatures and environmental degradation.

Yet, the city of Miami’s proposed changes to its tree ordinance and Tree Trust Fund threaten to dismantle critical protections for our urban forest, placing the interests of developers above the needs of our environment and residents.

On Thursday, the Miami City Commission will consider the proposal, which would remove some permitting requirements for tree removal within construction sites, loosen city oversight of existing tree laws and reduce tree-planting mandates.

The new ordinance would also replace the city’s Tree Trust Fund — an account to finance tree-planting programs across the city — with a new, unrestricted account that could be tapped for general use.

The proposed changes appear to be a developer’s dream and a community’s nightmare.

Trees in Miami do more than beautify our streets — they are essential to our city’s resilience and livability. According to the U.S. Forest Service, urban trees reduce stormwater runoff by intercepting rainfall, which is especially critical in Miami, where flooding is a persistent issue.

A healthy tree canopy can absorb thousands of gallons of water, helping reduce flooding in vulnerable neighborhoods. Trees also combat the urban heat island effect — higher temperatures caused by heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Areas with lush tree canopy can be up to nine degrees cooler than those without.

In Miami, where heatwaves disproportionately impact low-income and elderly residents, maintaining and expanding our tree canopy is a matter of public health.

Weakening tree protections risks compromising these benefits at a time when Miami faces critical challenges with flooding and extreme heat.

Beyond environmental benefits, trees improve air and water quality, reduce energy costs by shading buildings, and promote mental and physical health. Furthermore, studies show that tree-lined streets can increase property values by up to 15%.

Looser regulations will make it easier to remove mature trees for construction projects, while reduced enforcement means fewer penalties for violations.

Miami residents will bear the costs: increased flooding, higher temperatures and a degraded quality of life. Worse, the ordinance permits diverting up to 20% of the Tree Trust Fund to unrelated projects, undermining the fund’s purpose, which is replacing trees lost to development and enhancing Miami’s canopy.

Rather than weakening the ordinance, Miami should focus on strengthening it.

The city’s tree canopy is already under threat. A 2016 study revealed that Miami-Dade’s urban tree canopy covers only 19% of its land area — far below the recommended 30% for urban areas. City commissioners should focus on preserving mature trees, strengthening penalties for illegal removal, requiring higher replacement standards and increasing public oversight.

Adjusting the ordinance is unlikely to address the core issues cited as reasons for the proposed changes. The existing ordinance already includes a hardship exemption for qualifying residents, demonstrating its flexibility and fairness. We need to focus on improving inefficiencies in the permitting process, enhancing staff and code enforcement training. These steps will better support our valuable tree canopy.

Moreover, the current ordinance allows pruning of up to 25% of a tree’s canopy annually without a permit. Instead of weakening protections, the city should improve public education, streamline permitting processes, train staff and eliminate the onerous $1,500 appeal fee, which places an undue burden on residents.

Miami’s tree canopy provides invaluable services that cannot be readily replaced: reducing stormwater runoff, lowering city temperatures, improving air quality, providing health benefits and enhancing property values.

City commissioners should withdraw the agenda item proposing changes that will weaken our Tree Ordinance and instead commit to addressing the root issues in tree management.

Protecting and expanding Miami’s tree canopy is not just an environmental issue — it is an investment in the health, resilience and livability of our city. Strengthen the ordinance, preserve our canopy and protect our future.

Sandy Moise is director of policy for Urban Paradise Guild, Xavier L. Suarez is a former mayor of Miami and Steven Leidner is the conservation chair for the Miami Sierra Club.