Storm damage outweighs bark beetle harm in Latvian forests

Wind damage to Latvian forests has risen sharply this year while harm caused by bark beetles has fallen, the State Forest Service said, according to LSM.

In July, August and September, the service issued 1,303 assessments for sanitary clear-felling, covering a total of 1,314 hectares. Wind was by far the main cause of damage. Spruce stands were affected across 524 hectares and birch stands across 427 hectares.

In the third quarter of 2025, fresh damage from the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle was the main cause of forest damage. This year, the beetle is no longer causing significant harm. However, the August storm increased the number of damaged and fallen trees, including spruces.

To reduce the risk of another bark beetle outbreak, storm-damaged trees must be removed from forest stands by June 1, 2027, the service said.