With Christmas just around the corner, the forestry department will start selling Christmas trees sourced from Cyprus’ forests that need thinning out to improve growth, it announced on Tuesday.

For those who prefer the fragrance of a real tree in their homes, the trees will be available for purchase from November 27 until December 20.

The trees can be bought on weekdays from 8am till 2.30pm at the following forestry stations: Athalassa (Tel: 22 403749), Larnaca (24 818108), Dhekelia (24 723432), Fasouri (25 952120), Limassol (25 872306), Paphos/Geroskipou (26 306266), Yialias (26 812730), Panayia (26 817416) and Platania (22 608512)

The department reminded that cutting, possessing or transporting Christmas trees without its permission carries a fine of up to €5,000 or a prison sentence of up to one year or both.

Private owners are required to obtain a permit before cutting or transporting trees, that also need to have a forestry department stamp.