Central Rīga boosts its greenery with additional tree plantings
In the heart of Riga, the capital city of Latvia, a green revitalization is underway. The city's authorities are making concerted efforts to enhance its urban environment by planting thousands of new trees.
Ieva Geistere, a representative of SIA "Rīgas meži", has urged residents and park visitors to exercise caution, following two recent incidents where trees unexpectedly fell, neither during a storm nor in calm weather. While the specific types of trees involved in these incidents remain unclear, the city's ongoing tree-planting programme is set to introduce a variety of species, including lindens, oaks, chestnuts, and Japanese cherries.
By 2027, the Department of Public Space and Mobility aims to plant at least 2,000 trees in connection with the fourth stage of the Dienvidu Bridge. The exact number of trees the Riga City Council plans to plant in 2021 and 2027, as well as ongoing replacement planting activities, are yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, various tree-planting projects are already underway across the city. For instance, a cycle path is being built on Vilhelma Purvīša Street, with trees to be planted. Additionally, Rīga Forests is set to add at least 80 trees to the capital's parks this year. Preparatory work has begun for planting at least 40 more trees in central Riga in September and October.
The Riga City Council Housing and Environment Department plans to plant around 90 trees by Midsummer, while the Department of Outdoors and Mobility is planting new trees when creating new or rebuilding existing transport infrastructure, with a plan to plant 76 trees this year.
Amidst these tree-planting initiatives, the city is also addressing concerns about dangerous trees. Mārtiņš Vilemsons, a representative of the Riga City Council Housing and Environment Department, has explained that the planting process is complex due to the need for various engineering communications and the trees' requirements for care in the special urban environment.
The municipality is encouraging residents to report any trees that appear dangerous. Many of the trees currently being planted are replacements for old, dead trees that have become hazardous.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, its green spaces are an essential part of maintaining a healthy and attractive urban environment. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Riga's tree planting targets for 2021 and 2027, and about replacement planting activities, it is recommended to check Riga City's official environmental or urban development reports, or contact the municipality directly.
- The variety of species introduced through the city's tree-planting program extends beyond just lindens, oaks, and chestnuts, as Japanese cherries will also be part of the infrastructure.
- Gardening enthusiasts might be interested to know that efforts to improve Riga's urban environment also involve the creation of a new cycle path on Vilhelma Purvīša Street, complete with new trees, contributing to the home-and-garden landscape.
- As Riga's environmental science focuses on ensuring a healthy urban environment, dangerous trees are being addressed alongside tree-planting initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to both the present and future of the city's lifestyle, infrastructure, and environment.
