Christmas trees in Cyprus will be available for purchase between 26 November and 19 December, the Forestry Department announced on Tuesday. Each year, the department releases trees that come from routine thinning operations in forest plantations- a practice designed to improve growth conditions and maintain healthy woodland.
These trees are not cut purely for Christmas demand. They are selectively removed to reduce competition for sunlight, water and nutrients, allowing the strongest trees to thrive. As a result, buying locally harvested Christmas trees in Cyprus actively supports sustainable forest management rather than harming the environment.
Why thinning makes forests healthier, and safer
Thinning operations help maintain balanced, resilient forests. When too many trees grow too close together, they become vulnerable to:
- limited water availability
- slower growth
- increased susceptibility to pests and disease
- greater fire risk
Removing weaker or crowded trees reduces fuel load, which is a key factor in preventing large, fast-spreading wildfires. The Forestry Department incorporates thinning into its wider fire-prevention strategy, including maintaining fire breaks, clearing undergrowth, and monitoring high-risk areas during the dry season.
In this sense, purchasing a natural Christmas tree from the department is not only eco-friendly- it directly supports ongoing forest protection and wildfire mitigation efforts.
Where and when trees will be sold
Trees will be available at designated Forestry Department stations, open on weekdays from 8:00am to 2:30pm.
Sales points include the forestry stations of:
- Athalassa – 22403749
- Larnaca – 24818108
- Dhekelia – 24723432
- Fasouri – 25952120
- Limassol – 25872306
- Parekklisia – 25636010
- Paphos/Yeroskipou – 26306266
- Gialia – 26812730
- Panayia – 26817416
- Platania – 26817416
All trees come from managed plantations, not natural forests, ensuring that Cyprus’ protected woodland areas remain undisturbed.
A greener holiday season
Choosing natural Christmas trees in Cyprus supports a closed-loop system: the trees would be removed as part of forest maintenance regardless, and every purchase helps fund conservation work, fire-prevention measures and reforestation programmes.
The Forestry Department also reminds the public that once the festive season ends, trees can be composted or recycled, returning nutrients back to the earth without leaving long-term waste.
Also read: The 20 best Christmas TV episodes
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
