Problems, Challenges and Prospects of Street Greening in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Abstract The article discusses the current state of street greening in Kharkiv, in particular, issues related to the selection of sustainable tree species and cultivars for different types of city streets. The paper emphasizes the importance of street trees in urban infrastructure for their sanitary, hygienic, ecological and aesthetic functions. It highlights the problems of insufficient space for trees growth in streets, anthropogenic air pollution in cities, incompatibility with the architectural environment. The study was conducted in three districts of Kharkiv and included observations, identification of species composition and geo-mapping of street trees. Based on the experience of other cities, it is proposed to update the range of tree species on streets in Kharkiv, taking into account the width of the main elements of city streets as well as crown shape and overall size of selected species. It is also stated the importance of taking into account the allergenicity, invasiveness and resistance of trees to weather conditions and pests. As a result, recommendations for improving Kharkiv streetscape by selecting sustainable, functional and decorative tree species have been developed. Seven tree species and cultivars were proposed for narrow and medium width streets and five – for wide streets in Kharkiv.