“We are delighted to be part of this project. We like the idea behind it. People buy a tree, which they take exemplary care of for months, and they teach their children to do the same. In the spring, they return the tree to the forest. One planting took place this spring, involving trees sold before Christmas 2024, and we were pleasantly surprised at how well the trees were doing, which confirms my words about exemplary care. Of the 900 potted fir trees sold, around 170 were returned to the university forests, and 300 planters came to see us,” said Petra Packová, describing the project.

This year, 900 fir trees will be sent to the pre-Christmas market from the ŠLP Křtiny Forest Nurseries. Growing silver fir trees to the required height of approximately 50 centimeters is a relatively demanding and lengthy process. Nursery workers must first obtain seeds from certified stands in university forests. “In August or September, a tree climber has to climb into the crowns of mature trees to collect the cones, because overripe cones would fall apart and the seeds would scatter into the surrounding area. The seeds then need to be shelled, cleaned, and prepared for sowing, which takes place the following spring. First, we sow the seeds in dunnemanns, or hotbeds. We sprinkle the seeds evenly over the substrate and cover them with a layer of sand. They remain there for another two years,” said Vít Formánek, a technician at Lesní školky, describing the first part of the process. “After two years, the seedlings are about 10 centimeters tall and are transferred to seedling trays, where they grow and strengthen for another two years. After four years, when the fir trees are about 30 centimeters tall, we transplant them into pots for the next two years, where they grow to the aforementioned 50 centimeters, and are distributed to the pre-Christmas market,” he continued.

The distribution of Christmas trees has been organized for 27 years by Brno-based environmental organizations, and since last year under the patronage of the Veronica Foundation. Those interested can purchase a tree from November 24 at the Veronica Foundation stores at Pekařská 38 and Palackého třída 25 in Brno, as well as at partner organizations, namely Rezekvítko, Lipka, and Ekocentrum Brno. “Several dozen fir trees are intended for those who would otherwise not be able to afford a tree, such as poor families and seniors. The trees will be distributed to those in need by the Vesna association,” added Helena Továrková.

They will be available in Veronica Foundation stores until December 22 or while supplies last.

“After purchase, the tree needs to be gradually acclimatized. This means placing it in a cool garage, hallway, or balcony so that it gradually gets used to the warmer temperatures, and then moving it into the room just before the holidays. It should not be placed near a heater, and ideally, the room should not be overheated or overly lit so that the tree suffers as little stress as possible. After the Christmas holidays, we begin the acclimatization process again. This time, we prepare the tree for the transition to the outdoor environment,” Formánek explained.

The joint planting of fir trees in the forest is scheduled for March 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., near the Křtiny Arboretum. “This time, we have planned the planting a week later. Hopefully, we will avoid the freezing weather that prevailed in the first half of March this year. We will provide the equipment for planting and also advise on the planting procedure so that the tree has the best chance of taking root. After planting the fir trees, anyone who wants to can visit the Křtiny Arboretum free of charge, where a program about amphibians will be prepared. Antonín Krása from the Czech Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection will once again give an interesting talk. I also recommend visiting our snowdrop valley in the arboretum, which has grown a little more,” Packová invited.

Even those who are unable to keep their fir trees in good condition until March can take part in the planting. Extra seedlings will be available on site for this situation.

Bus number 201 goes to the Křtiny Arboretum, stopping at Křtiny, hájovna Na lukách, which is located opposite the arboretum.