Lithuania picks its prettiest tree

A roughly 350-year-old oak in the village of Klykiai, in eastern Lithuania, has been named the country’s Tree of the Year for 2026.

The Klykiai Oak, located in Utena district, received about 2,800 votes in the public poll. It will represent Lithuania in the 2027 European Tree of the Year competition.

The award ceremony was held Wednesday at the Lithuanian Parliament.

The oak is 18.5 metres tall, with a crown approximately 23 metres wide. Its trunk measures 4.15 metres in circumference at a height of 1.3 metres above the ground.

The competition aims to highlight Lithuania’s exceptional trees and their natural, historical and cultural value, as well as their importance to local communities, organisers said.

Twelve trees from across Lithuania reached the final, including centuries-old oaks, an old poplar, a chestnut, a linden, a sweet cherry and a pear tree.

“Each of these trees tells a unique story, bearing witness to nature’s strength and longevity and to people’s connection with their surroundings, local history and community,” the organisers said.

The competition was organised by the Lithuanian Arboriculture Centre. A special panel comprising representatives of the organisers, environmental groups and community organisations initially selected the finalists from submitted applications. The public then chose the winner through an online vote.

The Laukiai Oak, in the northwestern Skuodas district, was named the 2026 European Tree of the Year.