Have some green space around your home or business? Consider planting a tree to honor a special person or event in your life. You will help the environment, beautify your yard and have a lasting remembrance that grows year after year!
In Norfolk, the ideal time to plant a tree is between October 15 and March 31. During these months, weather conditions are cool and allow for root establishment before spring rains and summer sun promote top growth. However, you may plant a tree at anytime, provided you are attentive to its care, particularly watering.
Detailed instructions for planting, pruning and other tree care topics are set forth by the International Society of Arboriculture. Click here to visit their website.
For individuals and businesses lacking space to plant a tree, donating to the Living Legacy Grove fund is a great way to give back to your community and help the environment. A personalized recognition certificate from the City of Norfolk—suitable for framing or scrapbooking—is provided to all donors.
To contribute to Living Legacy Groves, click here.
Best Tree Selection for Norfolk Area:
SMALL ORNAMENTAL TREES (LESS THAN 30’)
- Prariefire Flowering Crabapple – Malus ‘Prairiefire’ (native)
- Eastern Redbud - Cercis canadensis (native)
- Fringe Tree – Chionanthus virginicus (native)
- Dogwood – Cornus florida (native)
- American Smoketree – Cotinus obovatus (native)
- Witchhazel – Hamamelis virginiana (native)
- Sweetbay Magnolia – Magnolia virginiana (native)
- Black Gum – Nyssa sylvatica (native)
- Willow Oak – Quercus phellos (native)
- Northern Red Oak – Quercus rubra (native)
- Southern Red Oak – Quercus falcata (native)
- Swamp White Oak – Quercus bicolor (native)
- Southern Live Oak – Quercus virginiana (native)
- Overcup Oak – Quercus lyrata (native)
- American Elm – Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’ or ‘Valley Forge’ (native)
- Winged Elm – Ulmus alata (native)
- American Persimmon – Diospyros virginiana (native)
- Bald Cypress – Taxodium distichum (native)
- Pond Cypress – Taxodium ascendens (native)
- Sourwood – Oxydendron arboreum (native)
- Atlantic White Cedar – Chamaecyparis thyoides (native)
- American Holly - Ilex opaca (native)
- Eastern Red Cedar - Juniperus virginiana (native)
- Southern Magnolia – Magnolia grandiflora (native)
- Loblolly Pine – Pinus taeda (native)
- Longleaf Pine – Pinus palustris (native)
- Dwarf Palmetto – Sabal palmetto / Sabal minor (native)
- American Arborviate - Thuja occidentalis (native)
Always call Miss Utility before digging, so that utilities such as underground water, sewer and telephone may be marked for damage prevention. Dial 811 or 1-800-552-7001 at least three working days before beginning any digging project.