The Tree of the Year survey is looking for finalists for the 20th year

Old, rare or endangered – they all have their own story. We are talking about popular trees, which the public can also nominate in the Tree of the Year poll in 2022 and choose the nicest tree in Slovakia. Applications can be sent until May 3.

The Tree of the Year survey, organized by the Ekopolis Foundation, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Even now, he is looking for remarkable trees all over Slovakia and highlights their importance in the landscape and settlements. “Through the survey, we want to arouse people’s interest in the topics of the environment and tree care and to inform the public about the irreplaceable functions of the existing trees in the country,” explains Martina R. Hromadová from the Ekopolis Foundation. “Each tree affects the microclimate, absorbs carbon from the atmosphere and retains water at the same time. It creates conditions for the life of other plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms and is part of an ecosystem that is also important for our life,” adds Hromadová.

Enrollment of trees in the survey takes place electronically, via an online form, or on paper, by sending an application to the address of the foundation. “In the application, it is necessary to provide information about the tree – its species, approximate height, locality where it grows and at least its approximate age. Eye-catching photos and undoubtedly the story of the tree and its connection with people will definitely help the jury in deciding on the final twelve,” adds Hromadová. Also this year, the winners will receive funding for their professional treatment.

“This year, the poll will celebrate its 20th anniversary, and on this occasion we want to recall its progress so far. In cooperation with our partners, we will present activities and events for the public and at least symbolically celebrate this jubilee,” concludes Peter Medveď, director of the Ekopolis Foundation.

The poll in 2022 was supported by the Slovenská sporiteľná Foundation, ISA Slovakia (International Arborist Society), Dajama Publishing House, Artforum Bookstore, ABIES Horticulture, Terrabike and Zares. The poll’s patron for the eleventh year is the well-known singer Peter Lipa.

You can find all the information on how to nominate a tree at https://www.ekopolis.sk/zivotne-poředie/strom-roka or on Facebook.

Contacts: Nadácia Ekopolis, Komenského 21, 974 01, Banská Bystrica, PR and communication: Martina R. Hromadová, tel. 0908 371 289, ragalova@ekopolis.sk