$25 discount on some native Va. trees; nurseries have until Nov. 29 to participate

The Virginia Department of Forestry’s (DOF Throwing Shade VA program, which offers discounts on native trees and shrubs, will be back in 2025.

Next spring, DOF will expand participation to 15 retail nurseries. In 2023, Throwing Shade VA was available at 10 locations and resulted in the sale of 5,500 native shrubs and trees being purchased (all at a discount, of course) and planted across Virginia.

From March 1 through May 1, customers can visit a participating nursery, choose an eligible native tree or shrub, scan the QR code, and receive a discount of $25 on purchases of $50 or more.

For Nurseries – Apply Now!
Nurseries interested in participating in Throwing Shade VA should visit the DOF website at https://dof.virginia.gov/urban-community-forestry/urban-forestry-community-assistance/throwing-shade-va-program/ for information on how to apply, frequently asked questions and deadlines.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 29.

Additional program details include:

The deadline to respond to the request for applications (RFA) is close of business on Friday, Nov. 29.
Ensure your business is registered in the state procurement system (also known as EVA).
Following application review from our state ranking team, nurseries will be notified with an application status update by mid-January.
Funded through state water quality improvement dollars, DOF reimburses participating nurseries for the customer discounts. The program incentivizes customers to buy and plant native species in the Commonwealth that in turn provide numerous benefits to our ecosystem and watersheds.

“Throwing Shade VA has been such a successful program and positive tool to promote the importance of native trees and plants,” said DOF Urban and Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator Molly O’Liddy. “Another huge benefit of the program is working with nurseries across the state to help us measure progress towards the Commonwealth’s Chesapeake Bay watershed goals.”