Virginia Department
of Forestry

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.