Tree of the Year 2017 is in Hellisgerði

The Forestry Society of Iceland, in collaboration with IKEA in Iceland, names the beech (BeechIn Hellisgerði in Hafnarfjörður, the Tree of the Year 2017 will be unveiled at a festive ceremony on Saturday 29 July at 3 pm. A varied and entertaining programme will be on offer. All are welcome.

Agenda:

1. Music
2. Address, Magnús Gunnarsson, Chairman of the Forestry Association of Iceland
3. Presentation of the certificate
4. Address, Guðlaug Kristjánsdóttir, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður
5. Address by Þórarinn Ævarsson, Managing Director of IKEA, sponsor of the Tree of the Year
6. Measuring the tree
7. Catering provided by IKEA
8. Musical performance

Beech is a common woodland tree in Europe and its wood has been used in many ways, including for making houses and furniture and various household items, but beech is also considered good firewood. Oak needs a warm, long summer and therefore generally grows only to a limited extent in Iceland, but it is a hardy tree and can survive for a long time as a small tree or shrub. In Hellisgerði, there are four beech trees that were planted 90 years ago, then several years old, so the Tree of the Year 2017 could be almost a hundred years old.

The Forestry Association of Iceland annually names the Tree of the Year. The award is intended to draw public attention to the flourishing work being carried out throughout the country in tree and forest planting, and to highlight the cultural value of individual trees across the nation.