Friends of Live Oaks is a grass roots, all-volunteer organization formed to protect, plant, and promote live oak trees in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Live oaks are designated as the official tree of the City of Virginia Beach, and with good reason. Native to the area, live oaks were here long before European settlers. The tree is one of the most distinctive and recognizable plants in the city and immediately brings to mind our coastal areas and maritime ecosystem. They resist salt spray and storm surges, having survived Hurricane Katrina in areas where everything else was reduced to rubble. They control flooding and storm water runoff, and shelter and nourish local wildlife. They are amazingly drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.
Live oaks boast many assets for homeowners. They increase property value and quality of life. They provide incredible shade, reducing air conditioning costs. An evergreen, their dense foliage provides privacy and beautifies the garden all year round.
2016-2017 Projects:
In 2016 and early 2017 our work will be focused on a couple of special projects. We are exploring the possibility of planting live oaks on various City of Virginia Beach properties. STAY TUNED to learn about the already existing three-acre Live Oak Grove in Virginia Beach and our hopes for its future. There will be easy ways for you to help.
In the past the Friends of Live Oaks, together with the Virginia Beach Environment and Sustainability Office, have given away young live oak trees to Virginia Beach residents to plant in Virginia Beach. We may be offering trees to residents in the future.
Live oaks are designated as the official tree of the City of Virginia Beach, and with good reason. Native to the area, live oaks were here long before European settlers. The tree is one of the most distinctive and recognizable plants in the city and immediately brings to mind our coastal areas and maritime ecosystem. They resist salt spray and storm surges, having survived Hurricane Katrina in areas where everything else was reduced to rubble. They control flooding and storm water runoff, and shelter and nourish local wildlife. They are amazingly drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.
Live oaks boast many assets for homeowners. They increase property value and quality of life. They provide incredible shade, reducing air conditioning costs. An evergreen, their dense foliage provides privacy and beautifies the garden all year round.
2016-2017 Projects:
In 2016 and early 2017 our work will be focused on a couple of special projects. We are exploring the possibility of planting live oaks on various City of Virginia Beach properties. STAY TUNED to learn about the already existing three-acre Live Oak Grove in Virginia Beach and our hopes for its future. There will be easy ways for you to help.
In the past the Friends of Live Oaks, together with the Virginia Beach Environment and Sustainability Office, have given away young live oak trees to Virginia Beach residents to plant in Virginia Beach. We may be offering trees to residents in the future.