How to Plant a Tree in Virginia Beach, VA — The Right Way

Planting Trees in Virginia Beach: Key Considerations

Virginia Beach's sandy, often nutrient-poor coastal soil requires different planting strategies than inland Virginia. Getting the species selection, timing, and planting technique right means the difference between a thriving tree and a $500 failure.

Best Tree Species for Virginia Beach

• →Live Oak (Quercus virginiana): salt-tolerant, iconic, long-lived
• →Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): handles wet and dry soil, storm-resistant
• →Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia): versatile, colorful, low-maintenance
• →Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): evergreen, beautiful, handles coastal conditions
• →American Holly (Ilex opaca): native, evergreen, wildlife value
• →Loblolly Bay (Gordonia lasianthus): coastal native, beautiful summer flowers
• →Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana): semi-evergreen, wet soil tolerant

When to Plant

Fall planting (October–December) is ideal in Virginia Beach. Mild winters allow root establishment before summer heat stress. Spring planting works but requires much more diligent watering through the first summer.

How to Plant Correctly

• →Dig hole 2–3x wider than the root ball, same depth or slightly shallower
• →Never plant deeper than the root flare — this is the most common planting mistake
• →Backfill with native soil only — do not amend unless soil is severely poor
• →Water in thoroughly to eliminate air pockets
• →Mulch ring 3–4 inches deep, 3 feet out, kept away from trunk
• →Stake only if necessary and remove stakes within one year

The Most Common Tree Planting Mistakes

• →Planting too deep — kills trees within 2–5 years
• →Choosing the wrong species for sun/moisture conditions
• →Volcano mulching (see our mulch guide)
• →Not watering enough in the first two years
• →Leaving staking ties on too long — causes girdling

More Tree Care Tips