Throwing Shade VA Program

woodstock sign

Help us plant more native trees and expand biodiversity throughout Virginia. Native trees and shrubs provide food and habitat for wildlife, especially important pollinators, and their benefits to wildlife outweigh those of ornamental species. Native trees evolved in Virginia’s different ecosystems, so they are more adapted to their natural environment and more likely to thrive.

The Throwing Shade VA program incentivizes customers to purchase native species of trees and shrubs, and nurseries to promote native species through customer discounts of $25 on eligible trees valued at $50 or more.

DOF is partnering with retail nurseries to offer discounts on eligible native trees and shrubs. In 2023, DOF partnered with three nurseries – Woodstock Gardens, Burke Nursery and Garden Centre, and Coastal Landscapes – to pilot the Throwing Shade VA program and is taking the program statewide.

Throwing Shade Logo

Get a Discount for Buying Native Species

Buy eligible native tree and shrub species at participating nurseries and receive a discount.

Participating Nurseries

Check back in early spring 2024 for the up-to-date listing of participating nurseries.


nursery plantsNurseries

After a successful pilot run, DOF would like to partner with 10 different retail nurseries across the state to launch a spring program that runs from March 1 – May 1. DOF is seeking retail nurseries or garden centers within the state of Virginia that have a diverse inventory of native species, enthusiasm for spreading the word about native species, and a customer-oriented focus.

Our hope is that this native tree discount program will allow nurseries to be successful in selling more native trees to landowners and incentivize customers to purchase these native species. Nurseries will be reimbursed for the tree discounts as well as time spent executing the program.

How to Apply

DOF will post a request for application (RFA) on this webpage in early November for prospective nurseries to apply to participate in the Throwing Shade VA program. This RFA will include full details about the program and how it will work. Nurseries must apply by December 14, 2023 to be considered for the 2024 program year.

Retail nurseries will be selected to participate in the program based on a ranking process and the completion of their application. Nurseries will be notified of selection by mid-January 2024.

To apply to be a part of this program, nurseries must register with eVA, our state procurement platform. See the “New Supplier Registration Guide” when you arrive at the registration page. When you register in eVA, you may be asked for a commodity code. Try listing one of these: 59540, 94743, or 94784. These are all associated with different nursery services. Or, view the different code descriptions here: eVA NIGP Codes.

View eVA Request for Application


TS TagHomeowners, Landowners and Buyers

From March 1 through May 1, landowners can visit a participating nursery, look for the Throwing Shade VA tags, choose an eligible native tree or shrub species, scan the QR code and enter some basic information, and receive a $25 discount on eligible trees valued at $50 or more (paper forms will be available at the point of purchase for those who prefer).

Look for the Throwing Shade VA tag!

An Eligible Native Species list is available in the Resource Library below.

Visit this webpage in early spring (2024) to find a participating nursery near you.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of planting native trees and shrubs?

Native trees and shrubs provide food and habitat for wildlife, especially important pollinators. Their benefits to wildlife outweigh those of ornamental species. Native trees evolved in Virginia’s different ecosystems, so they are more adapted to their natural environment and more likely to thrive.

Are native trees and shrubs more expensive?

Success of native species means that less maintenance and resources will be required to care for them, saving you time and money. Any landscaping needs can be met by planting natives, and there are diverse species to select from to meet your specific landscaping goals.

Do native trees and shrubs need extra care?

No, the opposite. Once established in an appropriate area, most natives are hardy and require little watering or fertilizer, if any. Native trees maintain their own space and foster biodiversity in our communities and forests, all while improving water quality, preventing soil erosion, and effectively storing greenhouse gases.

How much is the tree discount?

A $25 discount is available on eligible trees and shrubs valued at $50 or more.

What species are eligible to receive the discount?

DOF will provide a list of approved native tree and shrub species eligible for the discount, including eligible native cultivars and additional cultivar guidance (Eligible Native Species). The maximum tree size eligible for this program is 2-inch caliper.

How does the Throwing Shade VA program work?

Throwing Shade VA is a program funded through state water quality improvement funds, which DOF uses to reimburse participating nurseries for customer tree discounts. Available exclusively for retail sales, landscapers interested in using the discount program must ensure customers receive the benefit of the reduced pricing.

Why do I need to enter my information?

DOF developed a tool to map trees planted through the discount program. By scanning the tree tag QR code at the time of purchase, customers enter some basic information that helps DOF track the Commonwealth’s water quality improvement goals. This also provides vital information to inform agency decisions on allocating funding for additional planting projects. This information is confidential and will not be displayed or given to outside parties.

What if I don't have a smart phone or prefer not to enter information online?

Paper forms will be available at the point of purchase to receive the discount.

Who creates the materials?

DOF will provide tree tags, which will contain the QR code for reporting. DOF will also provide nurseries with paper forms for tree reporting when a smartphone is not available, as well as program outreach materials and a banner for the nursery to display.

When can nurseries apply?

DOF will post a request for application (RFA) on this webpage in early November for prospective nurseries to apply to participate in the Throwing Shade VA program. This RFA will include full details about the program and how it will work. Nurseries must apply by December 14, 2023 to be considered for the 2024 program year.

Retail nurseries will be selected to participate in the program based on a ranking process and the completion of their application. Nurseries will be notified of selection by mid-January 2024.

To apply to be a part of this program, nurseries must register with eVA, our state procurement platform. See the “New Supplier Registration Guide” when you arrive at the registration page. When you register in eVA, you may be asked for a commodity code. Try listing one of these: 59540, 94743, or 94784. These are all associated with different nursery services. Or, view the different code descriptions here: eVA NIGP Codes.


Additional Resources

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (Virginia Dept. of Accounts)
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (Virginia Dept. of Accounts)W-9Viewfinance financial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry financial-assistance-forest-health financial-assistance-water-quality financial-assistance-fire-and-emergency-response financial-assistance-forest-management fire-and-emergency-response forest-health forest-management urban-and-community-forestry water-qualityform
Throwing Shade VA - Eligible Native Species
Throwing Shade VA – Eligible Native Species

Listing of native species of trees and shrubs that are eligible for a discount at participating nurseries through the Throwing Shade VA program.

Viewfinancial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry urban-and-community-forestrydocument
Throwing Shade VA - Program Flyer
Throwing Shade VA – Program Flyer

This flyer provides an overview of the Throwing Shade VA program for promotional purposes.

Viewfinancial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry urban-and-community-forestrydocument
Throwing Shade VA - Program Flyer (png)
Throwing Shade VA – Program Flyer (png)

This flyer provides an overview of the Throwing Shade VA program for promotional purposes.

Viewfinancial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry urban-and-community-forestrydocument
Throwing Shade VA - Survey Form
Throwing Shade VA – Survey Form

Printable survey form (2 per sheet) that can be used for paper reporting of to receive a discount at participating nurseries through the Throwing Shade VA program.

Viewfinancial-assistance-urban-and-community-forestry urban-and-community-forestrydocument

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