Storm cleanup in Riga forests could take more than a month

Cleanup of storm-damaged forests in Riga could take more than a month, while more than 250 trees have been uprooted or broken in the city’s gardens, parks and planted areas, LSM reported, citing the Rīgas meži company.

The worst-hit parks include all the parks in central Riga, Dzegužkalns and Pļavnieki Grove. The storm also damaged several notable trees.

Rīgas meži plans to assess all the storm damage by the end of this week. The most serious hazards in heavily used areas are expected to be removed this week, but clearing all affected areas and dealing fully with the storm’s consequences is expected to take at least a month. Work in some forest and recreational areas could continue for longer.

Many broken and hanging branches, leaning trees and trees whose root systems were loosened or lifted by strong winds and heavy rain remain in the parks. Some damage was not immediately visible, so the number of dangerous trees requiring removal is likely to increase.

Park cleanup is being carried out gradually. Workers are first removing hazards in places with the highest daily visitor numbers and clearing the main routes. Rīgas meži employees and arborists are involved in the work.

Extensive damage was also found in Mežaparks, a cultural and recreational park, where dozens of trees were uprooted, broken or partially broken. Some had fallen across the park’s main roads and paths, as well as in the area of the Great Stage. The most serious hazards there have been removed, but cleanup is continuing.