Voting is open for European Tree of the Year 2024

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Ain Näkk

Voting is now open for the European Tree of the Year 2024 competition. The 14 trees from around the continent include 5 oak trees, two chestnuts, two beeches, as well as, Japanese camellia, white mulberry, pear tree, and olive tree. Voting will remain open until February 22, 2024.

Estonia’s entry in this year’s European Tree of the Year competition is an oak tree growing in the village of Vana-Võidu in Viljandimaa that is named after Eduard Viiralt’s engraving “Viljandi Landscape”, which has the tree as its centrepiece. Although the landscape in the background of the image has changed in the 81 years since the picture was made, the oak tree is still recognisable. 

The European Tree of the Year competition highlights culturally important trees. Traditionally, oak trees compete there most often, but this year the selection is more diverse. “There are as many as 9 tree species represented, and in addition to the beautiful pictures, I definitely recommend that you read the stories related to these trees on the competition’s website,” shared Ain Näkk, head of nature conservation at Loodushoiu Fond.

You can see all the competing trees and read their stories on the official Tree of the Year website. In addition, you can see a video that combines Viiralt’s engraving and the tree today below.

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Eduard Viiralt European Tree of the Year European Tree of the Year 2024 Nature Tree Viiralt Oak Viljandimaa