Why Plant Native? Why You Should Invest In Native Trees And Shrubs

Miami’s tropical climate and unique environment are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. As urban development continues to reshape the landscape, planting native trees has become an increasingly important step toward preserving the region’s ecological integrity.

Trees play a crucial role in our ecosystem by providing numerous benefits such as improving air quality, reducing urban heat island effects, and enhancing overall well-being. The benefits of planting trees are obvious, however, not every tree has an equal impact.

Pictured above, is a healthy pine rockland ecosystem. Here you will find a myriad of plant and animal species including the dominant slash pines, saw palmetto, and sabal palms. In the forest you can find raccoons, opposums, whitetailed deer, blue jays, red cardinals, mockingbirds, woodpeckers, gray squirrels, and much more. In a forest like this you can find upwards of 400 species of flora and fauna many of them endemic to the state. This means that they are only found in Florida and nowhere else on Earth.

Pictured below is a typical home in Miami.

Most houses in the city are like this; they have few if any native trees up front and instead have non-native palms or exotic trees. This type of home does not support an ecosystem. There are no food sources for birds, shelter for mammals, or even shade for humans. As a result, the typical Miami home fails both its inhabitants and the animals nearby. We all know the strength of the South Florida sun but did you know that in neighborhoods without sufficient canopy coverage temperatures can rise up to 15F higher than they should be? This is due to the heat island effect, just one of many downsides to not planting trees.

This is a problem that we identified which is why we started URP in the first place. If you care about native plants and animals and want to see Miami become greener, please consider supporting us.

One of the most significant ways you can support the Urban Reforestation Project is by donating to our cause. Your financial contribution will help us purchase trees, supplies, and equipment needed to plant and maintain green spaces in Miami. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference and brings us one step closer to achieving our mission of creating a greener and healthier city for all.