LVM warns forest visitors: grass and undergrowth mowing underway – caution required

AS “Latvijas valsts meži” (LVM) has commenced seasonal mowing of grass and undergrowth in its managed forests. The work began in mid-July and will continue until mid-November. This is one of the key activities for maintaining forest roads, and this year mowing is planned for a total of 21,270 kilometers across Latvia.

The mowing is carried out by LVM's partners, typically using agricultural tractors equipped with towed or mounted mowers. Most often, machines with chain-type cutting elements are used, which rapidly cut grass, shoots, and small bushes. LVM advises forest visitors to exercise extra caution during this period.

When encountering mowing machinery on forest roads, drivers should reduce speed and maintain a safe distance. They must ensure that the machine operator has noticed them. When possible, the operator will pull over at a passing place or the nearest turnout to allow safe passing. In areas where mowing has not yet been done, vehicles should be parked further away in turnouts to avoid obstructing the machinery.

Regular mowing of grass and undergrowth along road edges and ditches improves the technical condition of forest roads: it enhances water drainage, helps roads dry faster after rain, reduces pothole formation, and extends road lifespan. Mowing also improves traffic safety by increasing visibility at intersections and curves.

The need for mowing depends on the growth conditions of adjacent forest stands. In more fertile areas, regrowth is faster, making timely control of shoots, bushes, and trees especially important, as their root systems can damage the road structure. Depending on the situation, mowing is performed in strips up to 2, 4, or 6 meters from the edge of the roadway. The scope and width of mowing are determined annually based on road inspections.

LVM's construction and maintenance specialists are responsible for the construction and upkeep of forest roads, including planning and organizing roadside mowing.