Since the end of November, State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” has sold over 17,000 Christmas trees worth UAH 3.5 million and has begun raids to detect illegal logging, with fines tripled ahead of the New Year holidays, the state enterprise’s press service reported on Telegram.
According to the report, the largest number of Christmas trees were sold in the branches of the Central Forest Office (6,900), the Northern Forest Office (3,700), and the Polissya Forest Office (3,400).
The average price of one Christmas tree sold is UAH 202 including VAT. In total, the state-owned enterprise plans to sell about 140,000 coniferous trees based on the experience of the previous Christmas and New Year season.
“Forests of Ukraine” reminded that branches of the state-owned enterprise organize retail trade at more than 300 trading sites: in forestry enterprises, fairs, and markets in populated areas. Information about the places of sale and contacts of responsible persons is posted on the website of the state-owned enterprise “Forests of Ukraine.”
In addition, Christmas trees can be pre-ordered by calling the nearest forestry office that sells them. After that, you can come, pay (payment can be made through a terminal in the forestry office/forestry department, at a bank branch, or through online banking), and pick up your New Year’s tree.
Prices for New Year’s conifers have remained almost unchanged compared to last year, averaging between 210 and 250 UAH. Spruce/fir trees cost between 240 and 280 UAH. The cheapest Christmas trees are offered by foresters in the wooded areas of the North and Polissya. For example, in Volyn, a 1.5-meter pine tree costs 180 UAH, and in Sumy and Chernihiv regions, 170 UAH. Prices are slightly higher in low-resource regions in the east and south and near large cities.
Some branches of the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” offer Christmas trees in containers. Prices start at 500 UAH, depending on size.
At the same time, to protect coniferous plantations during the Christmas and New Year period, branches of the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” have formed 295 mobile raid groups, comprising almost 1,000 people.
The raid groups conducted 385 joint raids, during which they detected 34 cases of illegal felling of coniferous trees and drew up 28 administrative reports totaling more than UAH 14,000.
The amount of the fine depends on the location of the illegally cut Christmas tree and its diameter at the root collar for trees up to 41 years old: up to 10 cm – 893 UAH (in nature reserves – 7,600 UAH); 10.1-14 cm – 1,500 UAH (13,300 UAH); 14.1-18 cm – over 4,000 UAH (34,700 UAH).
“In December and January, fines are three times higher! In case of significant damage (from 30,200 UAH) from the felling and sale of illegally felled trees, criminal punishment is provided!” – warned the state-owned enterprise.
The forestry agencies of the state-owned enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” have started selling Christmas trees, with about 10,000 trees already sold, according to the press service of the state-owned enterprise.
“Forests of Ukraine” noted that they plan to sell about 140,000 coniferous trees, which is the same amount that was sold last year. Forestry farms currently grow 7.8 million Christmas trees on 2,700 hectares of “Christmas tree” land. If necessary, harvesting can also be carried out during forest formation and restoration logging. In case of higher demand, the state-owned enterprise has promised to harvest additional quantities.
“Prices for New Year’s coniferous trees are affordable and have remained almost unchanged compared to last year – from 210 to 250 UAH. Spruce/fir trees cost between 240 and 280 hryvnia,“ according to ”Forests of Ukraine.“
In addition, some branches of the state-owned enterprise ”Forests of Ukraine” offer New Year’s trees in containers. Prices start at 500 hryvnia, depending on size.
Christmas trees sold by the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” are required to be marked with barcode tags or self-adhesive labels, which confirm their legality and safety.
Christmas trees can be purchased directly from the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” without any extra charges. Branches of the state enterprise traditionally organize retail sales at forestry trading platforms, fairs, and markets in populated areas.
The New Year’s tree in Kyiv will be installed on St. Sophia Square, just like last year, at the expense of patrons, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
“This decision was made today by the Kyiv Defense Council. The city will not spend any money. Just like last year, the Christmas tree will be set up and decorated at the expense of patrons. And in compliance with the regime of limiting the use of electricity. Global Decor LLC is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the main Christmas tree, all resources and financial support related to this,” Klitschko wrote on Telegram on Monday.
According to him, there will be no mass events, fairs or entertainment on St. Sophia Square. “If the city’s district state administrations plan any festive events in the districts, it will be only in compliance with safety rules in places where there are shelters. And also not at the expense of the Kyiv budget,” the mayor added.
According to Klitschko, the Christmas tree will be set up in the capital by December 6 and dismantled by January 10. This is earlier than last year, “because this year we celebrate Christmas according to the New Julian calendar,” the mayor explained.
