State of woody vegetation in an urbanized environment (the example of Krasnoyarsk)

Abstract

Abstract Woody plants are one of the effective ways of stabilising the ecological environment of large industrial cities. In order to maximize the effect of green spaces a large and diverse research effort is needed to study the urban green spaces, assess their ecological plasticity and adaptive potential. The results of such research will be the basis for recommendations on the selection of an assortment of species for landscaping of urban areas. The aim of the study was to investigate the condition of woody plants growing in the urban environment of Krasnoyarsk. Within the framework of the study a comprehensive assessment of existing urban green spaces was carried out for the first time for Krasnoyarsk. The species composition and age structure of plantings are established by the results of inventory of public plantings. The vital state of dominant species has been evaluated and their ecological and physiological characteristics, including the study of water retaining capacity of leaves, has been carried out. That allowed to estimate the impact of anthropogenic environment on the condition of urban woody plants.