Trees play a crucial role in the City of Venice. They serve as valuable assets by intercepting and purifying stormwater, mitigating heat, and enhancing the overall beauty of our urban landscape. The Adopt-a-Tree program provides an opportunity for the City to collaborate with its citizens in bolstering our tree canopy. However, adopting a tree is a significant commitment that warrants careful consideration before participating in the program. Please review all conditions and requirements thoroughly before applying for the City’s Adopt-a-Tree Program.

Program details and your commitment:

• Residency: You must be a citizen of the City of Venice.
• Planting locations: All trees will be planted on City-owned or maintained rights-of-way. If you wish to plant a tree in County-maintained rights-of-way, you must request and provide written permission from Sarasota County.
• Tree care: You must agree to follow the care instructions provided to ensure the tree’s survival. Newly planted trees will require watering 3 to 4 times per week for the first few months, followed by weekly watering for several more months.
• Winter residents: If you are a winter resident or will be away during the first year after planting, you must agree to make arrangements for tree care during your absence.
• Tree selection: Tree species selection will be based on availability and planting location.

Trees will be planted at a time to be determined based on participation. Please be advised that some right-of-way locations may not be suitable for tree planting due to the location of underground utilities and infrastructure.

An Adopt-a-Tree application can be found here. Individuals can fill out this form and email it to City Arborist Jim Yelverton at jyelverton@venicefl.gov or bring it to the City’s Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall at 401 W. Venice Ave. For more information, please call Jim at 941-882-7433.

Thank you for your interest in contributing to our urban tree canopy through the Adopt-a-Tree program.