Estonia’s new record-breaking trees - the tallest spruce and pine are sticking together 04.12
After precise measurements were taken, a 48.6 metre spruce, located in Veriora Rural Municipality, Põlva County, was recognised as Estonia’s tallest tree. A nice bonus was found at the site, in the form of a record setting 46.6 metre pine located only a few hundred metres away from the spruce.
The honour of discovering Estonia’s newest tallest trees belongs to RMK South-East Region forest grower Kaarel Tiganik, who has been well acquainted with the state forest in Põlva County for many years. “The area is home to many beautiful tall trees, and this particular spruce caught my eye a while ago,” recalls Tiganik. “When I was assessing a cleaning two years ago, in Ootsipalu, the idea of officially measuring the tree came to me. At first, we measured it using an altimeter; however, in order to obtain a precise measurement for such a tall tree, we requested the help of researchers from the Estonian University of Life Sciences. I was personally hoping that the height of the spruce would be at least 45 metres; but 48.6 metres was truly a surprise.
Researchers Ahto Kangur and Harli Jürgenson, from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, measured the tree using an electronic tachymeter. “Measuring is done by pointing a laser towards different spots at the tip of the tree, attempting to find the highest point, from which the device receives a reflection. The machine then marks the highest point found vertically to the ground. By then measuring the distance between the two points, we are able to determine the precise height of the tree,” explained Ahto Kangur. Prior to measurement with the electronic tachymeter, the height of the tree was assessed using aero-LiDAR data.
According to Andres Sepp, Forest Manager for the RMK Põlva County Forest District, after the spruce had been measured, three pines located in close proximity to it were examined. “The first of the three trees was growing right next to the spruce and was taller than the previous tallest pine located in Järvselja. After measuring a couple of other old crop trees left growing on the clearcut, it became clear that the records were continuing to fall,” he recalled.
The researchers plan to return, to conduct additional measurements on the trees. RMK, in turn, will restrict cutting in the area, to prevent the surrounding forest from becoming too thin and keep the wind frown downing the trees. “The giants of Ootsipalu will definitely be highlighted on the information board,” confirmed Forest Manager Andres Sepp.
Foresters and researchers believe that one reason why so many record breaking trees are growing in one location in Põlva County is that the trees are located on a basin-like surface, partially on a slope and partially in a hollow. Their location offers natural protection against strong storms and winds, and ensures that storm water and nutrients flow to the bottom of the hollow, supplying the trees with sufficient water and nutrients.
RMK is the keeper, protector and manager of the forest and other natural biotic communities belonging to the Estonian state. RMK earns a profit for the state through forest management, growing reforestation material, and organising forest and nature conservation works. In addition, RMK establishes opportunities for nature walking in recreational and protected areas and fosters nature awareness. RMK consists of the Sagadi Forest Centre, the Elistvere Animal Park, the Põlula Fish Farm, and the Tartu Tree Nursery. More than 700 people work for RMK; however, the total number of people employed in the state forest is 5000.
Further information:
Andres Sepp
Forest Manager for the RMK Põlva County Forest District
Tel: 676 7932, 505 5932
E-mail: andres.sepp@rmk.ee
