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A Christmas Tree from Latvia's State Forests

Searching for a Christmas tree in the State forests of Latvia is a tradition-rich and joyful event of being together. That is why every family can go to the forests of Latvia this Christmas to find and bring home one Christmas tree for the holidays. In order to save the forest of the future, the search for a Christmas tree should comply with some conditions – only Christmas trees of a certain size may be cut and only in specifically defined places.

Make sure that you pick your Christmas tree in the territory of Latvia’s State Forests

Christmas trees can only be selected in the forests managed by JSC “Latvia's State Forests”, which are marked in nature with LVM property signs – the LVM logo is depicted on a yellow background. On the border of LVM territory, the signs on the side of the road or block path and at the intersections of block paths say that it is a State forest area. The location of forests managed by LVM can also be viewed in the LVM GEO Mobile app. When connecting the “LVM forest map” in the background maps section, the State forest territories are represented with the designation LVM.

Where and what Christmas tree to look for?

Not in all places in the forest it is allowed to cut a Christmas trees. You can safely look for your holiday decoration on the sides of forest roads, block paths, on the sides of ditches, under power lines, as well as in an adult forest under large trees. It is strictly forbidden to cut Christmas trees in young stands of pine, spruce, black alder, and mixed type, because the future forest of Latvia grows there. Cutting Christmas trees is also prohibited in protected areas marked with an oak leaf sign. Christmas trees may not be cut in forests of other owners without their approval.

The height of the selected Christmas tree should not be more than 3 metres and the diameter of the stump at a height of 10 cm above the roots should not exceed 12 cm. Both an axe and a machete can be used, but a saw is most recommended, because the Christmas tree should be cut as close to the ground as possible. When sawing, the stump remains flat, while when cutting with an axe or machete, the stump will be sharp and both forest animals and other “tree hunters” can get injured.

A Christmas tree can also be useful after the holidays. Its branches can be used to cover garden plants or the tree can be used for heating.

Christmas tree in a pot for many years

If you cannot find your Christmas tree in the forest, the Embassy of Latvia’s State Forests in Riga, at 1 Vaiņodes Street, will help you; here, everyone will be able to find their Christmas tree from the many high-quality Christmas trees in a pot of various varieties grown in the nurseries of JSC “Latvia's State Forests”. Each of them will fill your home with the smell of a green Christmas tree, and, moreover, if properly cared for and planted in the spring, will remain green and lush for many years to come. At the Embassy of Latvia’s State Forests in Riga, Christmas trees of traditional shapes and colours are available; there are also Christmas trees of the thick cylinder type or other more unusual shapes and colours.

No matter which Christmas tree creates the festive mood – found in the forest or bought in a pot – it will be especially beautiful if decorated with decorations made by your own hands. Therefore, this year we encourage you to participate in one of the decoration making workshops at the Embassies of Latvia’s State Forests in Riga, Kalsnava and Smiltene.