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310 Hectares More of Forest have been Planted in the Spring Season

JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) has planted 321 more hectares of young forest in the first half of 2023 than it was originally planned for this period. In general, LVM had restored and planted forests in an area of 12.9 thousand hectares by the end of June, which is 2.5 % more than the volume of forest restoration and planting planned for the first half of this year.

During the spring season of forest restoration, the largest share of forests was restored with pine (53 %) and spruce (32 %), and 12 % with birch. Also, in small amounts (3 %) the forest has been restored with black alder. Forest planting works will resume in autumn, meanwhile, agro-technical maintenance of young trees is carried out to take care of the young trees.

“This year, the availability of labour force and the use of mechanized solutions contributed to the faster performance of works. For example, last year, 336 hectares of forest were restored by mechanized sowing, and this year – 651 hectares. This type of reforestation saves time significantly because the forest equipment prepares the soil and sows tree seeds at the same time, and all the work can thus be done by one person. By mechanized sowing, the forest is restored with pine,” says Jānis Kažemaks, Head of Forest Restoration and Tending at LVM.

A total of 18.3 thousand hectares of forests will be restored this year either by sowing or planting: 0.7 thousand hectares will be restored by sowing, 1.3 thousand hectares – by mechanized planting, 11.4 thousand hectares – by planting with hand tools, while around 4.9 thousand hectares will be left to regenerate naturally.

During this year's reforestation season, a total of more than 28 million top-quality seedlings selected at the LVM Sēklas und stādi, grown in tree nurseries, will be planted in the State forests. These seedlings are faster growing, with greater wood growth and ensure healthier future forest stands.

The research carried out by Latvian scientists proves that carefully selected planting material ensures rapid growth of stands and good quality of trees. By restoring the forest with selected seedlings, it is possible to reach the volume of the main yield felling at least 15 years faster. The role of selection is also increasing in overcoming the challenges posed by climate change. It is because the planting of fast-growing trees contributes to greater carbon sequestration and ensures higher stability and vitality of stands, as such trees have stronger roots and a larger crown, increasing the ability to resist the effects of climate change.