Bending Branch Restoration LLC

07/21/2026

🌱 Buffer maintenance is in full swing!

In my opinion, this is the most important part of a successful riparian buffer or reforestation project.

These photos are a perfect example of why maintenance matters. Without proper care, newly planted native trees are quickly outcompeted by warm-season grasses, invasive species, and other vegetation surrounding the tree shelters.

Mowing during the first 2–3 growing seasons gives these young trees the best chance to thrive and dramatically improves long-term success. On well-maintained properties, we've seen survival rates as high as 95% compared to projects that are simply planted and left alone.

Planting the trees is just the beginning. Protecting that investment through proper maintenance is what turns a planting project into a healthy, thriving forest for future generations. 🌳

07/06/2026

04/26/2026

04/18/2026

Today we wrapped up an incredible silvopasture project for the landowners at Val Verde Farms 🌱🐄

For the first time since we began work in late March, their cattle are officially back out on pasture—and it’s rewarding to see the system already coming to life.

Over the course of this project, we planted more than 900 native and beneficial tree species, including:
Redbud, Serviceberry, Mulberry, Black Locust, Honey Locust, Hybrid Poplar, Hybrid Willow, Black Walnut, and Persimmon.

Each species was intentionally selected to serve a purpose within the system.

Some will provide rapid growth in the short term offering much-needed shade for cows and calves during the hotter months. Others are long-term investments, contributing to improved forage, continued shade, soil health, and overall ecosystem resilience for years to come.

This is what regenerative land management looks like: integrating trees, livestock, and pasture into one system that works with nature instead of against it.

We’re proud to help bring this vision to life and excited to watch it continue to grow 🌳

Friends of the Rappahannock Appalachian Sustainable Development - ASD