Standard Tree and Shrub Plants in the Landscape Design of the City of Kyiv: Current Condition and Perspectives of Use

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to summarize the information and evaluate the prerequisites for optimizing the taxonomic composition of plants for the general use plantations of the city of Kyiv. The work aims to provide specific proposals for the introduction of standard tree and shrub plants in the city’s public plantings, focusing on the motivation of plant selection based on ecological, biological and decorative features. Research methodology. In the process of conducting research, several special and generally scientific methods were used, including field survey, monitoring, description, analysis, synthesis, abstraction, generalization, comparison, forecasting and classification. The scientific novelty of the research consists in conducting an in-depth analysis of the modern taxonomic composition of standard tree and shrub plants, summarizing the condition and prerequisites for their use in the landscape design of Kyiv. Based on the results of the work, practical recommendations have been provided in the form of a specific list of standard tree and shrub plants, which are advisable to use in public plantations of the city, which confirms the practical significance of the conducted research. Conclusions. It has been established that modern landscape design trends, in particular, the use of standard tree and shrub plants, contribute to the improvement and modernization of public plantings in the city of Kyiv. The proposed list of these species’ plants aims to significantly enrich the taxonomic composition of green spaces and improve the urbanized space of the city. The motivation for the choice becomes quite clear given the decorative indicators of these plants, their biological and ecological stability, adaptability, dimensions (stem height, shape and size of the crown), safety and practicality of use in urban conditions. An essential enrichment of the standard tree and shrub plants’ taxonomic composition over the past decades has become possible thanks to active selection work abroad. Predictions in the field of landscape design and decorative horticulture testify to the planned changes in the system of green spaces in the city of Kyiv, including public spaces, under the influence of European experience.