The Nature Conservation Agency (hereinafter – the Agency) reminds us that a notable tree is a protected natural asset under state protection; therefore, specific conditions apply even if a notable tree has suffered from the destructive effects of a storm and maintenance work is required to rectify the situation.

A notable tree is considered an independent ecosystem and is a habitat for many rare and endangered groups of mammals, birds, insects, fungi, and other organisms; therefore, its protection and management are regulated by “General Regulations for the Protection and Use of Specially Protected Territories” or the individual protection and use regulations of the specific protected territory.

The owner of the land on which the notable tree is located is responsible for the maintenance of the tree. It is also the landowner's duty to ensure compliance with the protection and use regulations of protected territories, as well as to report any existing or potential changes, such as broken tree branches, etc.

The felling of a protected tree is permissible only in cases where the tree has become dangerous and there are no other ways to eliminate the risk, for example by pruning branches or installing supports, or if the tree's viability has been completely lost. To carry out the removal or felling of a tree in any of these cases, the written permission of the Agency is required. The application form is available on the Agency's website www.daba.gov.lv in the “Permits and Approvals” section.