The Brenguļi pine plantation resembles an orchard, as the trees have specially shaped, rounded crowns.

“We shape them every 3–4 years. We do this not only so that we can reach the cones, but to keep the trees manageable and make the harvesting process easier. You know what trees in the forest are like; you wouldn't climb one of those. As far as I have heard, the locals call this plantation the 'monkey garden'. Probably because they find these pines look a bit spooky. It is also important not to over-prune the pine, so that all its energy doesn't go into producing new needles and shoots, but enough strength remains to produce flowers, bloom, and also form cones,” explained Zaiga Saulāja.

The trees themselves, which grow on the plantation, are not just ordinary forest pines. “These are all selected clones, chosen from forest stands in collaboration with scientists. We have selected ones that grow quickly and whose cones open well in the kiln, because it is important for us to have plenty of cones and for them to open properly. And so that when they go into the forest, we know they will be straight, slender, and grow well.”