Tree of the Year Submissions

Welcome

Thank you to all the submitters! Staff will post the submissions on this page for the community to see. Please note as outlined in the contest that some of the submissions have been edited for clarity.

Click here to learn more about the Tree of the Year contest and to nominate a tree.

All Submissions

In this section

Anne Boynton-Trigg - Rain and Glory

Location: Riviera Dr. and Suarez St.

Reason for Nomination: Although battered by the recent rain, this tree is glorious in its structure and bloom.

A large Royal Ponciana tree with red flowers stands on a rainy day with fallen petals

A large Royal Ponciana tree with red flowers stands on a rainy day

Sherry Celesia - Rainbow

Location: Cortez and SW 15th Street

Species: Rainbow Eucalyptus

Reason for Nomination: I never knew such a tree existed until I moved here! Its beauty is so special. It looks like an artist used chalk paints to create it! When my friends and family come to visit we always go to this tree and everyone stares in awe. While I love the mighty banyan trees, this is my new favorite!

A large tree with red, yellow, and green bark stands in front of a sidewalk with trees and blue sky in the background

Charles "Rick" Carr - Colors and Sabicu

Location: 3 way Intersection; Campo Sano Avenue at Campo Sano Ct. ("east side")

Tree Species: Lysiloma sabicu

Reason for Nomination: Its leaves change, and it creates a show of color. Being localized in the Caribbean Basin makes it a "near native".

A Sabicu tree with orange leaves in front of larger green leave trees and blue sky

Sabicu tree with orange leaves with larger green trees and blue sky in the back.

Claudia Espinoza - The Big Timer

Location: Sunset Drive

Reason for Nomination: This Banyan was love at first sight. [When I was younger] I would climb a huge banyan and swing off its vines with my brother and neighbors. My mom called it the Big Timer. We eventually introduced it to my own children. The Banyan roots grow from its branches so it’s always growing outwards as our seeds should.

POV looking up at a Banyan Tree with wrapping branches

Banyan Tree with wrapping branches and a woman wearing black stands next to it

Dariel Gonzalez - Merrick Shack

Location: Castile Ave. and S Greenway Dr.

Tree Species: Fig

Reason for Nomination: The tree has surrounded an original wooden beam of the Merrick shack, their first home when they moved down from Duxbury Mass. The shack was moved to that spot and used as an office for Merrick’s plantation.

A large banyan tree stands in a patch of grass. A green sign is next to it.

The Oak and the New

Tree Species
Live oak
Location
Santillane Ave. & Galiano St.
Reason for Nomination
Easy and beautiful integration between a old tree and a new, not luxurious, building.

A large oak tree stands in front of a new building with blue sky in the background

Clara Ferreira - The Warrior on Santander Street

Location: 341 Santander Street

Tree Species: Live Oak

Reason for Nomination: This tree has stood here long before any numbered house existed, as evidenced by the attached 1935 photograph of the former Hotel San Sebastian. It weathered the 1926 hurricane as a young tree and may now be the last survivor of the original grove on the east side of Le Jeune Road. This remarkable tree has withstood fierce storms, challenging neighbors, and even severe damage inflicted on its roots by City Public Works. Despite these hardships, it stands majestically, albeit slightly inclined due to arbitrary cuts. For all these reasons, we are nominating this symbol of strength and endurance.

Aerial shot of a giant green Oak tree's branches reaching out unto a blue sky with

Black and white photo of an aerial view of the city with a yellow highlight encircling a tree in the distance

Flamboyant

Location: William H Kerdyk Jr. and Family Park 6611 Yumuri Street

Tree Species: Delonix Regia (Royal Poinciana)

Reason for Nomination: This beautiful Royal Poinciana, amidst others at William H Kerdyk and Family Park, is resplendent with a canopy of orange-red flowers. Also known as Flamboyant, it is easy to see how fitting a name that is for this brilliant and majestic tree. What a spectacle to enjoy while walking the park or shopping nearby!

A large Royal Ponciana in bloom with orange flowers stands on a green space with a large apartment complex and sunny day as backdrop

Very Demure

Location: William H Kerdyk Jr. and Family Park 6611 Yumuri Street

Tree Species: Silk Floss Tree, Ceiba speciosa

Reason for Nomination: This Silk Floss tree in full bloom at the intersection of Yumuri Street and San Remo Avenue is absolutely stunning. Dwelling alone and demure in its urban setting, it is a sight to behold in its glorious raiment.

A large tree with pink flowers in bloom in front of a building and blue sky on warm day

The Elephant's Foot

Location: 6221 Leonardo St.

Tree Species: Baobab

Reason for Nomination: As a community, we celebrated the Baobab tree at this year's Arbor Day. We were fortunate to plant a beautiful 20 year old Baobab tree and we provided citizens with details of the wonder of this tree. The tree I've nominated is certainly much older and has the characteristic "elephant's foot" look at the trunk. It is a beauty.

A large baobab tree in front of a lit up house at night with a dark blue sky above

Nicole - Giant Mushroom of the Granada Golf Course

Location: S Greenway Dr. / Granada

Tree Species: Banyan

Reason for Nomination: She’s GREEN and grandiose. It looks like an atomic bomb of nature is erupting in the middle of the golf course. My friend thinks of me and snaps a pic of her every time she walks on South Greenway. This tree takes my breath away, nourishes my heart, and helps me connect with others.

Been Around the Block

Location: Young Park Triangle

Tree Species: Live Oak

Reason for Nomination: Given it's location and appearance, I'm guessing this is one of the early-planted trees in CG. It's seen a lot--maybe all 100 years. It's reminiscent of our City--beautiful, old, and has seen it's own growth and sprawl, demonstrates a need of loving care/maintenance.

A massive oak with many branches tilted and growing on the ground at a park

This tree is also nominated as the tree "Young Park Icon".

Connie Crowther - Big Guy

Location: At the corner or University Drive and Palmarito Street, on the north side of the intersection.

Tree Species: Banyan

Reason for nomination: My favorite tree in Coral Gables is the first giant banyan in a row of four that form a magical tunnel along University Drive. It stands at the end of my street, Palmarito. I pass by it daily, always looking up, enjoying the light streaming through. For 50+ years, I’ve called it “Big Guy.” Anyone driving southwest on University Drive between Palmarito and Montserrat has likely felt its dappled shade. As an anchoring tree, Big Guy embodies nature’s beauty and strength, a true symbol of Coral Gables, the City Beautiful. I often stop to see how time, storms, and life have shaped it. It was here long before us and will remain long after. We’ve been friends for half a century, and I will greet Big Guy as long as I can.

A Banyan tree stands tall with a warm, sunny blue sky peeking at the sides

Empty road, on the side to the right, a large Banyan tree

New and Acclaimed

Location: University Dr. and Camilo Ave.

Tree Species: Baobob

Reason for nomination: I know this is a NEW tree and got some acclaim at its Arbor Day planting, but I just love the uniqueness of this tree and the potential education around it.

Young Baobob tree stands with silver guards rails and wooden support beams on sunny day

Miami Style

Location: University Ct. and Segovia St.

Tree Species: Pink shower - Cassia Bakeriana

Reason for nomination: Beautiful bloom that reminds me of cherry blossoms, Miami style.

pink flowering tree on sunny day with blue sky

pink flowering tree from across the street. In the background, white church and blue sky

Stunning Roots

Location: TBD

Tree Species: Not sure

Reason for nomination: Roots are stunning.

A tree by the entrance of a driveway has roots like spider legs standing on points

Merrick fig

Location: Castile Ave. and S Greenway Dr.

Tree Species: Fig Tree

Reason for nomination: The Coral Gables Plantation, established in 1906 by Solomon Merrick, once consisted of 3,000 acres of grapefruit groves, where it would lay the foundation for the for the city that emerged from its fertile land. Today, the plantation's packing house is only survived by a single wooden plank, wedged between the aerial roots of a modest fig tree.

Close up shot of a large tree with stringy and veiny branches and roots

Large tree from distance on side of the street, very green leaves branching upwards with blue sky peeking through branches

Bonnie Bolton - Bicentennial

Location: Antilla Ave. and Douglas Rd.

Tree Species: Oak

Reason for nomination: This tree is more than 200 years old.

Currently, no photo for this tree.

Laura Roselione - Magic Oak

Location: Country Club Prado and S Greenway Dr.

Tree Species: Oak

Reason for nomination: This oak along Country Club Prado is just magical and perfect. It is old and strong, but fragile, like Coral Gables.

At dusk on green space an oak tree stands with massive branches stretching out in all directions

Karelia Martinez Carbonell - Live Oaks Draped in Moss

Location: E. Ponce de Leon and Phoenetia Avenue.

Tree Species: Live Oaks

Reason for nomination: Old Florida in 100-year old Coral Gables. Live Oaks Draped in Moss. These trees line a section of the "garden district" on E. Ponce de Leon and Phoenetia Avenue. Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is one of the most recognizable and enchanting plants in Florida's natural landscape. Often seen draped over the branches of live oaks and cypress trees, this fascinating plant adds a touch of Southern charm and mystery to any garden.

Oak tree between road and sidewalk with long growths of gray, Spanish moss

Row of oak trees on sides of a sidewalk, heavy with Spanish moss

The Storyteller at Crystal Academy

Location: 107 Antilla Ave.

Tree Species: Oak

Reason for nomination: At the heart of Crystal Academy’s playground, located at 107 Antilla Ave., stands a breathtaking 200-year-old oak tree—a symbol of resilience, beauty, and childhood joy. Its immense branches stretch wide, creating a natural haven where children gather, laugh, and explore. The tree’s thick, textured trunk tells the story of centuries past, while its sprawling roots weave through the playground like nature’s own masterpiece.

For generations, this majestic oak has provided shade on sunny days, a refuge during quiet moments, and an endless source of adventure for young minds. Whether students are playing hide-and-seek, reading beneath its leafy embrace, or simply marveling at its grandeur, the tree has become an irreplaceable part of the school’s identity.

This magnificent oak is not just a tree—it is a legacy. Its presence at Crystal Academy deserves recognition, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy its strength, beauty, and the sense of wonder it inspires.

Sunrise/dusk, Sun shines through a massive oak tree standing by a playground casting its shadow on the grass

Sunny day, large oak is silhouetted and shades a grassy playground

Date Palm in the Garden

Location: Galiano St. and Antilla Ave.

Tree Species: Date Palm Tree

Reason for nomination: Amidst the lush beauty of Our Lord’s Garden stands a remarkable date palm, a tree of grace and historical significance. For many years, this towering palm has been a striking presence, its long, arching fronds adding to the garden’s serene and sacred atmosphere. Surrounded by a diverse array of vibrant plants, it serves as both a natural centerpiece and a symbol of endurance, deeply rooted in biblical tradition.

The garden itself, built by Robert Fitch Smith, is a place of reflection and spiritual connection, and this date palm stands as a living testament to its legacy. It has stood the test of time, offering shade, beauty, and a quiet reminder of the rich history and faith associated with palm trees throughout the ages.

For its longevity, elegance, and profound cultural and spiritual significance, this date palm deserves to be recognized and preserved as an integral part of Our Lord’s Garden.

Old Black and White photo of palm tree in garden

Oak at Crystal Academy

Location: 107 Antilla Ave.

Tree Species: Oak

Reason for nomination: The 200-year-old oak tree standing proudly in the playground of Crystal Academy is more than just a tree—it is a living monument to history, strength, and community. Towering with majesty, its sprawling branches provide a natural canopy of shade, sheltering generations of children who have played beneath its watchful presence.

This grand oak is the heart of the playground, a place where imaginations run wild, where children gather to climb, read, and create memories. Its sturdy roots anchor not just the soil but the spirit of the school, offering a sense of wonder and connection to nature. It has withstood the test of time, a silent guardian of childhood laughter and learning.

For its immense beauty, historical significance, and irreplaceable role in the lives of the children of Crystal Academy, this remarkable tree deserves recognition and preservation for generations to come.

Wide lens of Giant oak standing on playground with clear blue sky through its branches

Large oak on playground from a distance on gray sky day

Second nomination - Date Palm in the Garden 2

Location: Galiano St. and Antilla Ave.

Tree Species: Date Palm Tree

For its longevity, elegance, and profound cultural and spiritual significance, this date palm deserves to be recognized and preserved as an integral part of Our Lord’s Garden.

Carob the Faithful

Location: Galiano St. and Antilla Ave.

Tree Species: Carob

Reason for Nomination: Standing in quiet dignity within the sacred grounds of Our Lord’s Garden, the carob tree is a testament to history, faith, and natural beauty. With its strong, twisting branches and lush green canopy, this ancient tree has flourished for many years, offering shade, sustenance, and a sense of peace to all who walk beneath it.

The carob tree holds deep biblical and historical significance, often associated with nourishment, resilience, and spiritual teachings. Its presence in a garden built by Robert Fitch Smith further enhances its importance, linking it to a space designed for reflection and reverence. Among the many beautiful plants in the garden, this tree stands out as a symbol of endurance and providence, much like it has throughout history in the lands of the Bible.

For its longevity, beauty, and deep-rooted significance in both faith and history, this carob tree deserves recognition and preservation as a treasured part of Our Lord’s Garden.

Kelley C. Schild - Dade County Pine

Location: Algaringo Ave. and Toledo St.

Tree Species: Dade County Pine

Reason for Nomination: Coral Gables was developed in Pine Rockland with the pine from the native Dade County Pine. Acres of pines were felled to build the Mediterranean Revival homes in the 1920’s. Our home, is historically designated and was designed by George Merrick’s uncle, George Fink. This towering pine is one of the few still standing in our neighborhood.

A large pine in backyard silhouetted by the setting sun

Close up pine tree during sunset, light hits the top layers of leaves making them look yellow and below that green

Karelia Martinez Carbonell - Young Park Icon

Location: Granada Blvd. and Castile Ave.

Tree Species: Oak

Reason for Nomination: This tree at Young Park on Granada and Castile. An iconic image that conveys a long and beautiful history just like our 100-year old city.

Large oak tree with branches growing sideways on the ground

Dark image of large oak with part of its branches growing sideways on the ground

Note: This tree is also nominated as the tree "Been Around the Block".

Jackson Rip Holmes - Date Palm in the Garden

Location: Galiano St. and Antilla Ave.

Tree Species: Date Palm

Reason for Nomination: From Jerusalem, in Coral Gables Garden of Our Lord

black and white two images of a date palm

Jackson Rip Holmes - Fig Tree in the Garden

Location: Galiano St. and Antilla Ave.

Tree Species: Fig

Reason for Nomination: Biblical tree, in the Garden of our Lord.

Jackson Rip Holmes - Carob in the Garden

Location: Galiano St. and Antilla Ave.

Tree Species: Carob

Reason for Nomination: Biblical tree, Garden of our Lord.

Vicki Cerda - The Eyecatcher

Location: Granada Blvd. and Castile Ave.

Tree Species: Banyan

Reason for Nomination: This striking tree at Young Park always catches my eye. J. Lawrence Young was involved in the beautification of early Coral Gables in his role as a supervising landscape architect. The original Coral Gables Garden Club, with Mrs. Althea F. Merrick appointed as chairman of the J. Lawrence Young memorial committee, singled him out for his accomplishments by memorializing him at the former Plaza Castile, a development of Mr. Young. Enjoy this lovely tree -- in the early morning, in full sunlight and especially at that magic twilight hour.

Large tree with many roots with sunlight hitting the left and shade on blueish shadows on the right

Large tree with many roots shining in the sunlight

Vicki Cerda - Deep Roots

Location: 832 South Greenway Dr.

Tree Species: Florida Strangler Fig

Reason for Nomination: In Coral Gables, our roots go deep. And wide. Our love for the past and for nature play a large role in the far reach of our city’s heritage and we salute our city's deep roots. This historic property is even more special in the Centennial Year we are now celebrating as it was the former residence of George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables. It is located at 832 South Greenway Drive in the Country Club of Coral Gables Historic District.

Tree roots going through a structure and with green leaves on the ground

Vicki Cerda - Merrick Post in the Fig

Location: Castile Ave. and S Greenway Dr.

Tree Species: Florida Strangler Fig

Reason for Nomination: In mid 1899, Congregational minister Solomon Greasley Merrick and his wife Althea purchased sight unseen 160 acres in this area for $1,100. Several months later, Merrick and his son George arrived from Massachusetts and locals including Bahamians, helped plant vegetables and grapefruit trees. The vegetables and existing guava trees were their only source of income until the grapefruit groves began to bear. The post in this fig tree is the only evidence remaining of the packing house at the Coral Gables plantation. Can you find it?

Side view of large fig tree in even lighting on sunny day

Wide view of a sign in front of large fig tree lit up beautifully by the warm sun with blue sky in between the branches

Note: This tree is also nominated as the tree "Merrick Fig" and "Merrick Shack"

Vicki Cerda - Merrick Banyan

Location: Castile Ave. and Toledo St.

Tree Species: Banyan

Reason for Nomination: This sprawling tree on the west side of the Coral Gables Merrick House, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, was surely part of the garden when the Merricks lived here. The property is the childhood residence of George E. Merrick, the founder of the city of Coral Gables. Can you see the lovely clay colored roof tiles peeking thru the trees?

Sunlit Banyan tree with green leaves everywhere with a small open space of sky and a roof in the background

Vicki Cerda - Shady Oak hideaway

Location: Granada Blvd. and S. Greenway Dr.

Tree Species: Southern Live Oak

Reason for Nomination: This curvy & inviting oak at Young Park is a perfect shady hideaway. J. Lawrence Young was involved in the beautification of early Coral Gables in his role as a supervising landscape architect. The original Coral Gables Garden Club, with Mrs. Althea F. Merrick appointed as chairman of the J. Lawrence Young memorial committee, singled him out for his accomplishments by memorializing him at the former Plaza Castile, a development of Mr. Young. Grab a book and take a seat at this cozy pozy spot.

Long branches coming over a stone bench with greenery and blue sky in the background

Long branches coming over a stone bench with greenery in the background

Tree of Life

Location: Phoenetia near East Ponce de Leon

Tree Species: Date palm

Reason for Nomination: Tree of Life

The date palm, identified with the Tree of Life in the ancient Near East, symbolizes victory, abundance, and grace in many religions and cultures. This lofty specimen, on Phoenetia near East Ponce de Leon, gives quiet joy to the neighborhood.

Date Palm stands proudly amongst other trees and a pathway on a sunny day

Joanne Meagher - Rock Solid Craig

Location: Castile Ave. and Toledo St.

Tree Species: Lignum Vitae or Wood of Life or Iron Wood

Reason for Nomination: This slow-growing, rock-solid tree was planted by Greenspace Management in honor of Craig Johnson, beloved Merrick House gardener who worked for the city for 25 years. Craig, too, was rock solid--dedicating his life to caring for the plants and animals in the garden that Mother Merrick loved so. Quiet and somewhat mysterious, Craig was whip smart, had a desert dry wit and was a teller of tales. No one knows how many of them were tall ones. This tree's bright red seeds pop from little "purses," yielding small purple flowers. Pretty, yes, but not too large, showy, or over the top, the Iron Wood is a tree that doesn't need to be in the limelight. It has a subdued confidence; just like Craig.

A young tree with support ropes and a rock in front with an honorary plaque

Karelia Arauz - Infinite Joy

Location: Castile Ave. and Castile Plaza - Young Park

Tree Species: Oak tree

Reason for Nomination: Growing up, this is the tree my friends and I would run to every day after school. Although that was more than 25 years ago, the memories are vivid to this day. We would swing on its long vines, often get chased by swarms of bees, and even fell off a branch on a couple occasions. When I had kids of my own and they were old enough, I taught them to climb the same tree. It brings me infinite joy to see my kids doing something that I enjoyed doing so long ago.

No photo provided.

Natalia Gonzalez - Love Letter

Location: Sevilla Ave. and Hernando St.

Tree species: Cassia bakeriana, also commonly known as the pink shower tree, wishing tree, and dwarf apple blossom tree.

Reason for Nomination: Every morning, as I walk to my favorite local coffee shop (shoutout to Cafe Grumpy) before work, I pass a tree that never fails to take my breath away. The cassia bakeriana, the Wishing Tree, stands in all its splendor, its branches draped in delicate pink blossoms like nature’s own confetti. No matter how many times I see it, I pause, caught in its quiet magic—a reminder that beauty is always present, even in the simplest moments. On difficult days, when my thoughts are clouded with worries, this tree offers a moment of stillness, a soft nudge toward gratitude. In its vivid petals, I see a reflection of everything I cherish about Coral Gables—its warmth, its vibrancy, its sense of community. Here, in this city where nature and people intertwine so effortlessly, this tree feels like a love letter to its home. And every morning, as I pass beneath its canopy, it feels like a gift—one that I never take for granted.

A tree between sidewalk and the street with many thin branches filled with pink flowers and a blue sky in the background

Paula Pulgar-Vidal - A Symbol of Positivity

Location: Segovia St. and Palmarito Ct.

Tree species: Cassia javanica

Reason for Nomination: I pass by this majestic tree everyday on my commute to work. I initially mistook it for a cherry blossom, but I learned from my research that I wasn’t the only one. Regardless, it is just as beautiful and should attract the same visitors as the cherry blossoms in DC do. Native to southeast Asia, the blossoms of the cassia tree are seen as symbols of positivity, unity, and prosperity,
celebrated in festivals and rituals across Asia. I am so grateful that this tree found its way in my path to make my mornings a little brighter.

Pink blossoms on a thin tree on a green space. Blue sky with some white clouds in the background.

Charles "Rick" Carr - Pink Shower Tree

Location: Segovia St. and University Ct.

Tree species: Pink shower tree

Reason for Nomination: Perfect match of Architecture and Arboriculture.

From across the street, a centered photo of a tree with many branches and pink blossoms, behind it a church with tall, white structure and blue sky

Elizabeth C Parnes - Lights Up

Location: Sevilla Ave. and Hernando St.

Tree species: Cassia Bakeriana

Reason for Nomination: Also known as the Tropical Berry Blossom. It lights up the whole area where it is planted.

A tree between sidewalk and the street with many thin branches filled with pink flowers and a blue sky in the background. Warm sunlight hits the tree.

Kathy Marlin - Wishing Tree

Location: Segovia St. and University Ct.

Tree species: Wishing Tree, pink cassia bakeriana

Reason for Nomination: This stunning pink cassia bakeriana tree welcomes visitors to North Gables. It is perfectly framed by the steeple of the Christ Journey Church behind it. Its gracious pink blooms erupt in a show stopping display every spring.

From across the street, a photo of a tree with many branches and pink blossoms, behind it a church with tall, white structure and blue sky

Aïda Shafer - Noticed

Location: Sevilla Ave. and Toledo St.

Tree species: pink cassia

Reason for Nomination: This small, unassuming tree blooms beautifully every year. It’s located on a street that many people use at a cut through, and I wonder how many of them notice how beautiful it is.

Tree with pink blossoms covering branches stands in front of a yellow house and past tall palm trees and blue sky

Jim Berlin - Mangroves

Location: Coast of South Florida

Tree species: white mangrove

Reason for Nomination: Mangrove trees are important to ecology of coastal South Florida. The roots of the trees help survival of small fish and sea creatures plus retard erosion of coastal soil.

Mangroves in water with foliage behind them

Karelia Martinez Carbonell - Ancient Oak

Location: Alhambra

Tree species: Oak

Reason for Nomination: This stately and otherworldly oak has stood tall on Alhambra long before our founding father, George Merrick, created his City Beautiful 100 years ago. A giant of a tree, strong and proud.

Giant oak centered in frame on bright but gray day with green trees and a house in the background

Mercy Castro - Pink Shower Miracle Mile

Location: Miracle Mile

Tree species: Cassia javanica, or pink shower tree

Reason for Nomination: The Cassia javanica, or pink shower tree, is a beautiful tree, and this specific one is located in Miracle Mile.

Pink Shower tree next to Miracle Mile street and walkway

Mercy Castro - Beauty of History

Location: Coral Gables Museum

Tree species: Bougainvillea, or Paperflower

Reason for Nomination: This Bougainvillea, or Paperflower, is located outside in the back of the Coral Gables Museum and you can see it while walking by.

Purple flowers atop of green foliage and thin branch attached to white wall

Salvador Rodriguez - Memories Oak

Location: Country Club Prado

Tree species: Oak

Reason for Nomination: This tree has been nominated because of all the memories I had with my friends and family on this tree. I have many photos that show my friends and family sitting on the branch that looks like it's reaching down, wanting to scoop up somebody. Also, the tree looks like it's old as Coral Gables itself! Not to mention how big it is, anyone crossing that street won't be able to miss it, especially since one of the branches are right next to the road.

At dusk, orange hue hits a massive oak tree with a long branch near the ground. Blue sky with cloud streak behind it

Massive oak tree from a distance with dark clouds in the sky

Camilo F. Ulloa - Shady Refuge

Location: Matheson Park

Tree species: Not sure

Reason for Nomination: Nominated because it’s my refuge after working out — it’s the shade, the one that recharges me with its greatness. Its branches look like anacondas. I don’t know its name, but it doesn’t matter.

From a distance on a green space tall, green tree with trees behind and cloudy grey sky

Tall tree with long, thick branches on a green space with cloudy sky between branches

Camilo F. Ulloa - Trust the Process

Location: Country Club Prado

Tree species: Bombax ceiba L

Reason for Nomination: Nominated for a love of the ceiba trees, for how it marks and lives through all the seasons. I love biking by and seeing it in every stage. Its age, the years it took to grow into such immensity and beauty, reaffirms my belief in trusting the process.

Wide tree from a distance on a green space with blue sky, warm day,

Camilo F. Ulloa - Great Symbol

Location: Segovia St. and University Ct.

Tree species: Pink Shower Tree (Cassia bakeriana)

Reason for Nomination: Nominated for being one of the greatest symbols of spring in Coral Gables, nominated for its epiphanic blooming that whispers to us of life’s cycles.

pink flowering tree in front of white church with soft diffused morning light and blue sky

Pink flowers on tree branches, in the background white cloud and above that blue sky

Camilo F. Ulloa - Beautiful Neighbor

Location: Segovia St. and University Ct.

Tree species: Pink Shower Tree (Cassia bakeriana)

Reason for Nomination: Nominated for being my most beautiful neighbor. I see it almost every day, and it fills me with joy when I know blooming season is near — it’s like waiting for Christmas.

Close up of pink flowers on thin branches, through the branches is blue sky

Pink flowering tree between sidewalk and street with blue sky

Camilo F. Ulloa - A Dance with Time

Location: n/a

Tree species: Ancient Oak

Reason for Nomination: Nominated for its greatness. It’s not easy to choose just one tree in Coral Gables, but this elder deserves respect and recognition. It is majestic, and the life it holds — along with the shapes of its roots — is perfect architecture, a dance with time.