TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN TWO SMALL CITIES OF KYIV REGION, UKRAINE

Abstract

The diversity of trees is an important factor in ensuring the sustainability of urban forests, but it has hardly been studied in small towns in Ukraine. This study examines the diversity of urban tree species in two small towns in the capital region of Ukraine. The results show that the richest species composition of Vyshgorod city in the adjoining the houses territories and in mini-parks. A total of 100 species and forms of trees and shrubs have been found in the city. 27 species of trees and shrubs are represented In Ukrainka city. Spiraea vanhouttei, Syringa vulgaris and the genus Spiraea are critical for Vyshhorod city. Acer saccharinum, Pinus sylvestris, Populus piramidalis, Betula pendula and Spiraea vanhouttei are critical for Ukrainka city. In contrast to Vyshhorod, where the distribution of trees by diameter is close to optimal, Ukrainka lacks young trees and exceeds the share of ''ripening'', which violates the guarantees of sustainable development of urban plantations. The methodology used in this study may allow practitioners to better assess the sustainability of urban tree plantations.