Vilnius City gifts a tree sapling to the families of newborns born in the capital in 2025. The parents receive the trees in hospitals. The sapling sends a message that the city is happy and celebrates the birth of a new resident who, like the tree, will gradually grow, get stronger, and become a part not only of the family, but also of the city.

Trees are often called the lungs of the earth. They absorb CO2, purify the air, and have a positive effect on people’s mental health. As the European Green Capital, Vilnius gives this gift not only to make people happy, but also to keep them closer to nature, to nurture the vital biodiversity and green spaces in the city.

A gift with a green message

Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of Vilnius, is pleased that this idea is friendly to both people and nature. ‘Trees give us oxygen, provide shade, protect our health and create peace. Each new sapling will join the ecosystem of Vilnius, the European Green Capital, and will help to protect and strengthen the union between people and nature,’ says Vilnius Mayor V. Benkunskas.

Over the past few years, around 6000 newborns per year have been born in Vilnius. The city team expects the number of Vilnius residents to continue to grow, the area of the city’s green spaces to expand, and the number of trees to increase.

‘Giving seedlings to families of newborn babies symbolises both the beginning of life and caring for one’s environment. Becoming a parent is the biggest commitment in life and an immeasurable happiness, and with this gift we invite parents to raise a person while growing a tree in their hometown. Let this year’s trees grow together with the young residents and create a precious link with our city and its beautiful nature,’ says Simona Bieliūnė, Deputy Mayor of Vilnius.

Planting will be easy and convenient

The seedling kit contains a pot, seeds, a bamboo fibre disc, and instructions on how to care for the tree.

However, planting trees and shrubs is easy but responsible work. The city has many communications and service pipelines, utility structures and protection zones, so it is not a good idea to plant anywhere. It is important to anticipate and take into account that trees will grow. For the safety of the residents themselves, and for the sake of the city environment, more detailed advice on planting can be obtained by sending an email to zalias@vilnius.lt.

More information on planting in Vilnius: https://zalias.vilnius.lt/sodink-pats/