This spring, you can plant with a purpose — at a discount. The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is expanding its Throwing Shade VA program. Through the program, DOF partners with nurseries to offer a $25 discount on eligible native trees and shrubs valued at $50 or more.
The offer is available through May 1 while supplies last at 15 participating nurseries. The goal of DOF’s Throwing Shade VA program is to incentivize residents to plant native species of trees and shrubs. These native plants provide water quality benefits and act as a source of food and habitat for wildlife and pollinators. And because they are already adapted to Virginia’s environment and climate, native species often require less maintenance.
“Since we launched in 2023, Throwing Shade VA has been a resounding success, with more than 5,500 discounted plants purchased last year alone,” Urban and Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator Molly O’Liddy said in a statement. “We are pleased to be expanding the program from 10 to 15 nurseries this year and are excited to continue working alongside our wonderful nursery partners across the state, who are happy to help you find the perfect native tree for your property or project.”
How to Get Your Discount
To receiving the $25 discount, visit a participating location and choose native trees and shrubs with the Throwing Shade VA tag. Scan the QR code and complete a short survey, then show the completed survey to the clerk at checkout. Retailers will also offer paper surveys at the point of purchase.
Support for this program comes from state water quality improvement funds, which DOF uses to reimburse nurseries for the discounts. The agency reports all trees planted through the program as part of the state’s Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan. Customer surveys help DOF track progress towards the Commonwealth’s water quality improvement goals. The information collected is confidential; DOF will not display it or provide it to outside parties.
Northern Virginia Locations
Local nurseries participating in the program include Burke Nursery and Garden Centre at 9401 Burke Rd., and these Meadows Farms locations:
- 5043 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg
- 8424 Patriot Hwy., Fredericksburg
- 8677 Plant Pl., Manassas
- 597 Garrisonville Rd., Stafford
- 5074 Lee Hwy., Warrenton
Feature image courtesy Virginia Department of Forestry
