Midsummer tradition: Up to five birch branches free of charge in LVM forests

As Midsummer approaches, AS "Latvijas valsts meži" (LVM) reminds residents of the opportunity to obtain birch branches free of charge. This year, as in previous years, anyone may cut no more than five birch branches for personal use in forests managed by LVM.

LVM regulations stipulate that the obtained branches must not exceed three meters in length and must be cut flush with the ground. It is also forbidden to cut birches whose stump diameter at ten centimeters above the root collar exceeds 12 centimeters. Branches may be cut along forest roads, trails, ditches, under power lines, and in mature forests under large trees. However, cutting is prohibited in young stands, except for pine young stands where birches that suppress pine trees may be removed.

The locations of LVM-managed forests can be checked using the mobile app "LVM GEO" or by looking for yellow signs with the LVM logo. Signs placed along boundary roads, quarter lines, and at intersections indicate state forest territory.

Legal entities must submit an application and pay for branches. For social institutions such as schools and kindergartens, the LVM regional forest management planning manager may decide to provide branches free of charge upon receiving an application.

It was previously reported that LVM's turnover in 2025 was 604.585 million euros, up 3.2% from the previous year, while profit increased by 37.7% to 206.73 million euros. The company was registered in 1999 and has a share capital of 525.989 million euros. LVM manages state-owned forest lands. The sole owner of LVM is the state, and the shareholder is the Ministry of Agriculture.