CHARLOTTESVILLE—Virginians are once again being encouraged to throw some shade—in their landscapes, that is.

The Virginia Department of Forestry’s Throwing Shade VA program is back and giving consumers discounts when they purchase native trees and shrubs from over 15 participating retail nurseries.

Now through May 1 while supplies last, shoppers can receive a $25 discount on eligible native trees and shrubs valued at $50 or more.

The program aims to incentivize residents to plant more native trees and shrubs. Among their many advantages, native species expand biodiversity, prevent erosion, store greenhouse gases and improve water quality by filtering out pollutants. They also provide food and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

“Since we launched in 2023, Throwing Shade VA has been a resounding success, with more than 5,500 discounted plants purchased last year alone,” said Molly O’Liddy, VDOF urban and community forestry partnership coordinator. “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.”

Already acclimated to Virginia’s environment and climate, native plants thrive with less maintenance than non-native, ornamental species—saving time and money in the yard.

And there is a diverse range of natives that can meet any landscaping goal.

“Many people admire our native flowering trees and shrubs when they explore local parks or when they’re just driving around,” said Ed Olsen, Virginia Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture specialist and host of Real Virginia’s “From the Ground Up” gardening segment.

“These beautiful plants not only add wonderful, year-round color to yards when they flower and as their foliage changes in the fall, but they also play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife.”

To receive the $25 discount:

• Visit a participating location.
• Choose native trees and shrubs with the Throwing Shade VA tag.
• Scan the QR code, and complete a short survey.
• Show the completed survey to the clerk upon checkout.
• Receive your discount.

Throwing Shade VA is supported through state water quality improvement funds. Information collected confidentially from the surveys helps DOF track water quality improvement goals and allocate funding for additional planting projects across Virginia.

For a list of participating nurseries and more information, visit bit.ly/49TH7GW.

Media: Contact Cory Swift-Turner, VDOF communications specialist, at 434-977-6555, or Olsen at 540-232-2136.