Chronology of the use of woody plants in landscaping of Kryvyi Rih

Abstract

Aim. Analysis of the chronological sequence of involvement of woody plants in landscaping of the city of Kryvyi Rih to develop conceptual foundations for their more effective use. Methods. Chronology of species implementation of woody plants in landscaping of the city were studied until the year 2000 on the basis of archival documents, scientific publications, as well as studies of the dendroflora of Kryvyi Rih. Results. In total, 185 species and forms of woody plants belonging to 82 genera were used in the landscaping of the city until the year 2000. In the period between 1870–1910, only 26 species were involved. In the postwar period (1945–1950), the number of species planted in the city was already 38 species, it increased significantly up to 78 species in the 1960s, and the maximum number of species - 90 was used in the landscaping of the city in the 1970s. In the first half of the twentieth century the most common species were members of the genus Acer L., among them A. negundo L., as well as Robinia pseudoacacia L.; species of the genera Ulmus L. and Fraxinus L. 1970–1980 years can be called the era of species of the genus Populus L. Conifers were solitarily planted in the city in the 1950s and 1960s, these are species of the genus Thuja L.and Juniperus L. In the late 1970s and 1980s, species of the genera Picea A. Dietr., Pinus L. and Taxus L. were massively introduced in the city. Today, such species as Picea pungens Engelm., as well as forms of P. pungens f. coerulea and P. pungens f. glauca is most represented among conifers in plantations, slightly less – Pinus pallasiana D. Don and P. sylvestris L. At this time and in the following years, Juniperus sabina L. is widespread in the city. Conclusions. In the urban environment of the XX century, the species, with a high level of vitality, primarily among deciduous Acer, Betula L., Catalpa Scop., Crataegus L., Fraxinus, Gleditsia L., Malus Mill., Morus L., Padellus Vass., Populus, Prunus L., Pyrus L., Quercus L., Rhus L., Sophora L., Tilia L., Ulmus proved to be stable and among coniferous — species of the genera Picea, Pinus, Taxus, Juniperus and Thuja, which are promising for further use.