real-estate
Massive cuts to iconic Coconut Grove banyan tree spark outrage: "I was just flabbergasted"
By Abby Dodge at CBS4 Miami
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
Residents in Miami 's Coconut Grove neighborhood are demanding answers after a large banyan tree along a heavily traveled walkway was extensively cut back this week, prompting a city investigation and renewed debate about Miami's tree protection policies.The tree, located on private property, has lon
Key takeaway "I was just flabbergasted, like, wow, this is insane," Tubino said.
Why this matters in The Miami
The drastic trimming of the iconic banyan tree in Coconut Grove has sparked outrage among residents, and for good reason. This tree, located on private property along a heavily traveled walkway, has long provided shade for pedestrians and visitors in the neighborhood. Its loss is not just an aesthetic issue, but also a concern for the community's quality of life. Miami's tree protection policies are once again under scrutiny, and the city's investigation into this incident will be closely watched. The fact that no permit was issued for the work, despite city regulations requiring one for trimming more than 20% of a tree canopy, raises questions about enforcement and accountability. As Miami continues to grow and develop, the preservation of its tree canopy is crucial, especially in neighborhoods like Coconut Grove where trees provide relief from the sun and help mitigate the effects of sea-level rise and flooding.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: real-estate ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Residents in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood are demanding answers after a large banyan tree along a heavily traveled walkway was extensively cut back this week, prompting a city investigation and renewed debate about Miami's tree protection policies.The tree, located on private property, has lon
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Abby Dodge at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more real-estate coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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