City of Margate Encourages Residents to Plant Trees

by David Volz April 27, 2025

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Mayor Arlene Schwartz and Bruce Vandermuelen at the Margate Tree Giveaway. {David Volz}

Margate residents who wanted a new tree for their yard could get one at the tree giveaway across the street from City Hall on Saturday.

The city gave away about 500 trees, including orange and mango trees. Residents could drive up, and city staff would place a tree in their car, or they could look over the trees and visit with plant experts.

Bruce Vandermeulen, a master gardener, was available to answer residents’ questions about planting their new trees.

“I want people to find a tree they like and plant it. We need to increase the tree canopy in Margate,” he said.

Margate Staff and volunteers at the tree giveaway. {David Volz}

The staff and volunteers who participated in the event enjoyed helping people choose trees and load them into their cars. Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano spent the morning talking with staff and residents and brought doughnuts.

Mayor Arlene Schwartz attended and encouraged people to plant a tree.

Bruce Vandermeulen, a master gardener advised people on how to care for trees and plants at the Margate Tree Giveaway. {David Volz}

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.