Ontogenetic changes in the mechanical stability of the main species of woody plants in the ecosystems of the city of Donetsk

Abstract

The paper considers the issues of ontogenetic changes in the mechanical stability of 18 species of woody plants growing in the ecosystems of the industrial city of Donetsk: Acer campestre L., Acer negundo L., Acer platanoides L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Acer saccharinum L., Aesculus hippocastanum L., Betula pendula Roth, Fraxinus excelsior L., Fraxinus lanceolata Borkh., Gleditsia triacanthos L., Populus simonii Carriere, Populus nigra L., Populus balsamifera L., Populus bolleana Lauche, Quercus robur L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Tilia cordata Mill., Ulmus laevis Pall. It has been established that at the initial stages of the ontogenesis of woody plants, their biomechanics ensures survival through high flexibility. This is due to the low critical mass and load, which are easily achieved when static and dynamic factors act on the plant. Only a significant increase in linear dimensions makes it possible to maintain its own mass weighing several tons and above, as well as withstand the effects of adverse climatic factors. The studied ontogenetic dependences of the mechanical stability of the main species of woody plants in the ecosystems of the city of Donetsk should be used in landscaping the city.