As Christmas approaches, the question of where and how to find a festive tree becomes increasingly relevant. If you choose to look for your tree in state forests, you must do so responsibly and correctly – you may only cut down a tree of a certain size in precisely designated areas, so as not to harm the growing forest.
“LVM employees in various regions of Latvia have already noticed that residents appreciate this opportunity and are happy to head out to search for their festive decoration in Latvijas valsts meži. Unfortunately, we also receive reports that trees are being cut down in young stands, which is not permitted as it causes significant loss and damage to the future forest. Young stands are not just small saplings; their height can reach up to three metres. Young stands can be identified by trees growing in neat rows, where tending has often already been carried out – excess deciduous trees have been removed so they do not hinder the successful growth of the spruce. A young stand is considered to be up to 40 years of age, where trees have reached a certain height,” explains Gatis Ansons, Planning Manager of the LVM Vidusdaugava region.
It is strictly forbidden to cut down trees in young stands, as the future forest of Latvia is growing there. Cutting down trees is also prohibited in public nature parks and protected areas marked with the oak leaf sign. It is forbidden to cut down a tree in forests belonging to other owners without prior approval.
You can safely search for your festive decoration along forest roadsides, firebreaks, ditch edges, under power lines, as well as in mature forests under large trees. The height of the selected tree must not exceed 3 metres, and the stump diameter at 10 cm above the root collar must not exceed 12 cm. You can use either an axe or a machete, but a saw is highly recommended, as the tree should be sawn as close to the ground as possible. Sawing leaves the stump level, whereas using an axe or machete leaves a sharp stump that can injure both forest animals and other people searching for trees.
The height of the selected tree must not exceed 3 metres, and the stump diameter at 10 cm above the root collar must not exceed 12 cm. You can use either an axe or a machete, but a saw is highly recommended, as the tree should be cut as close to the ground as possible. Sawing leaves the stump level, whereas cutting with an axe or machete leaves the stump sharp, which can cause injury to forest animals and other people searching for trees.
How to recognise Latvijas valsts meži territory?
Forests managed by LVM are marked in the wild with LVM property signs – the LVM logo on a yellow background. Signs placed on the edge of a road or firebreak and at the intersections of firebreaks on the LVM boundary indicate that it is state forest territory. You can also view the precise layout of LVM-managed forests in the LVM GEO mobile app. By enabling the “LVM forest map” in the background map section, state forest territories are shown on the map with the “LVM” designation.
A potted tree for several festive seasons
The Latvijas valsts meži embassy at 1 Vaiņodes Street in Riga invites you to find your own potted tree. A wide selection of high-quality potted trees of various varieties, grown in LVM tree nurseries, is available. Each one will fill your home with the scent of a green Christmas tree, and if properly cared for and transplanted outdoors in the spring, it will remain green and lush for many years to come. The Latvijas valsts meži embassy offers both traditional shapes and colours, as well as lush cylinder-type trees or other more unusual shapes and shades. This year’s novelty – precision-formed silver firs. These can be pruned to the desired height and fullness. To ensure every customer of the Latvijas valsts meži embassy gets their festive decoration, the shop will be open every weekday from 8.30 to 17.00, and on Saturdays from 11.00 to 15.00. On 1 December, the embassy's opening hours will be extended until 18.00, so that everyone has time to choose their Advent wreaths as well.