Current state of ornamental arboreal plants in ordinary street tree stands in Kyiv

Abstract

An increase in anthropogenic load in urban complexes leads to adverse ecological changes in the environment. Urban tree stands can somewhat smooth out these shortcomings by affecting the microclimate within the local territory. According to statistical data, every year the indicator of the provision of green spaces for the residents of Kyiv decreases, which is caused by the unsatisfactory condition of street tree stands. The main purpose of this paper is to highlight the results of the study on the assortment of arboreal plants, to estimate their general condition on the busiest streets and avenues of Kyiv, and to provide recommendations for creating a perspective list of plants for urban street landscaping. The paper analyses the data of the inventory that was performed within ordinary street tree stands in 2021. It was found that the most common street tree stands include Tilia cordata, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Populus nigra. A comparative analysis of the main assortment of plants in the street tree stands of Kyiv for 2009 and 2021 was conducted, and it was established that the number of Aesculus hippocastanum and Populus nigra decreased, while the percentage of Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus excelsior increased. The assessment of the general condition of plants indicates that the largest share of plants is in a satisfactory condition – 50%. The best condition was noted in Robinia pseudoacacia, Acer platanoides, and Tilia cordata. Attention is paid to the general condition of arboreal plants by the percentage of inactive photosynthetic surface. High resistance of Acer platanoides, Fraxinus excelsior, and Robinia pseudoacacia to urban conditions is revealed. The analysis of the experimental data provides grounds for determining the main and supplementary assortment of arboreal plant species recommended for use in street landscaping, with further study of their stress resistance.