04 • 04 • 2016
It's time for Forest planting works
When in many places the soil has already thawed, and the average daily air temperature no longer falls below 0⁰C, JSC "Latvia's State Forests" (LVM) starts reforestation - planting works. This year it is planned to plant 24 million tree seedlings in more than 8 000 hectares of the state forest area.
While in the eastern part of Latvia the ground is still frozen, in the western and central part of the country active planting of forest seedlings has already started: the first pine and birch tree bare root plants with an improved root system which have been grown in "LVM Sēklas un stādi" (LVM Seeds and Plants) nurseries are already planted in their new place of residence.
For the state forests to maintain the current proportion of species and their biodiversity, it is planned to plant 15.5 million pine seedlings, 6.8 million spruce seedlings, 1.4 million birch seedlings, and 0.3 million seedlings of other species. Major planting works are planned to be carried out during the spring months, planting 96% of the estimated amount of seedlings.
Mostly the young tree seedlings will be planted in clearings, but in small amounts also in the areas where it is necessary to supplement the plantings of the previous year, which have suffered from frost, diseases, damage caused by insects or even-toed ungulates, as well as in forest areas, which are not naturally fully recovered. For forest restoration both - bare root plants with an improved root system, and container plants are used; they are grown in „LVM Sēklas un stādi” nurseries from the seeds obtained in plantations.
In order to perform the tasks in the best quality possible, with the right working methods and tools, LVM has created an educational film, which explains the steps of reforestation works, introduces the spectators to the quality plants grown in the company's nurseries, and provides useful information and practical tips on how to properly and smoothly plant forest, so that in the future it grows healthy and rich in wood.
A skilful performer of the tasks and favourable weather conditions are the most important preconditions for the 24 million seedlings to successfully start their own life in the forest. Follow the planting progress also using the "tree counter" application available on the www.lvm.lv homepage.
