Filenews 19 November 2024
Real Christmas trees are available for sale to the public by the Department of Forests. These are trees that come from thinning forest plantations, mainly black and rough pine, which are sold at affordable prices, while in smaller quantities some firs will be available.
According to the Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the trees will be sold from Wednesday, November 27, 2024, until Friday, December 20, 2024 at the following sales centers:
- Athalassa Forest Station (22403749)
- Larnaka Forest Station (24818108)
- Dhekelia Forest Station (24723432)
- Fasouri Forest Station (25952120)
- Limassol Forest Station (25872306)
- Paphos/Geroskipou Forest Station (26306266)
- Gialia Forest Station (26812730)
- Panagia Forest Station (26817416)
- Platania Forest Station (22608512).
Christmas trees will be sold only during working days (Monday-Friday) and hours (08:00-14:30).
It is clarified that the trees to be disposed of come from thinning forest plantations, in the context of forestry manipulations carried out in order to improve the conditions of development and reduce competition in forest plantations.
According to the spokesman of the Department of Forests, George Constantinou, at the points of sale there will be available for the public mainly rough and black pine. Our forests, as he explained, consist mostly of rough and black pine, while firs are fewer. That is why, as he said, those who are interested in fir trees should express their interest at the points of sale so that they can be served.
Prices vary
Prices vary depending on the tree species and its height. For example, prices for black or tame pine trees are €14 up to 1.5 meters, €22 up to 2.5 meters, up to 3 meters €30, while from 3 to 5 meters the price is €55 and from 5 to 7 meters to €105. Trees over 7 meters are available for sale at €200.
Trachea pine is sold at €6 up to 1.5 meters,€8 up to 2 meters, €10 up to 2.5 meters and €11 up to 3 meters. The tallest trees from 3 to 5 meters are available for €45. From 5 to 7 meters the price is €90 and over 7 meters and over €160.
There will be some fir trees at the points in smaller quantities and they will be sold at €60 (up to 2 meters).
Asked whether Cypriots choose the natural tree for their Christmas decoration, Mr. Constantinou said that every year from the points of sale of the Department of Forests around the island "more than 1000 trees leave for this purpose".
Bans and fines
In the meantime, it is reminded that felling, possession and transportation of Christmas trees without the relevant permission of the Department of Forests is, according to the "Forest Law of 2012", an offense punishable by a fine of up to €5,000, or imprisonment for up to one year, or both penalties together.
The Department of Forests urges private tree owners to obtain in advance the necessary logging and transport permits, and to present them when requested by Department Officers for inspection. At the same time, before transporting the trees from the logging sites, they should ensure that they are sealed at the bottom (cross-section) with a seal of the Department of Forests, addressing the nearest forest station.
