Storm damages dozens of protected trees across Latvia

Dozens of protected trees were damaged in the storm at the end of August, and landowners must notify Latvia’s Nature Conservation Agency before removing them, LSM reported. The agency decides what may be done after receiving an application and photographs of the damaged tree.

At Skrunda church, a protected linden growing about 10 metres from the building was blown down across a fence. The tree stood on a slight slope and had previously raised concerns about its stability.

The congregation had sought permission to cut down the linden, but an inspection found that it had protected-tree status. Its circumference was 4.13 metres, so it had to be preserved. The agency instead issued instructions for its maintenance.

“We were also instructed to shorten and maintain it. But it is not that simple. I cannot climb up there. There are only so many arborists, and the sums that have to be paid are also quite significant,” said Martins Samms, pastor of the Skrunda Evangelical Lutheran congregation.

Congregation chair Dita Ķuņēvica said the tree’s trunk was completely hollow and its large crown caught the wind. The congregation plans to organise a work day to clear the fallen tree, following the agency’s approval.

Three protected trees had been registered in Skrunda, but only one survived the storm.

The Nature Conservation Agency has so far received 59 applications concerning damage to protected trees or their removal. The agency also requires reports on damage to alleys and plantings.