Revitalizing Green Spaces: Care for Sophora Trees
As winter ends, specialists from the Municipal Enterprise «Miskzelentrest» begin the formative pruning of grafted weeping trees, including sophoras, mulberries, and ashes. This is an essential annual procedure for maintaining these species.
The sophoras adorning the central square were planted on September 25, 1895, and this year they celebrate their 130th anniversary. These Japanese sophoras are classified as local botanical monuments.
Since early February, the gardening team has started rejuvenation pruning of sophoras throughout the city. This work is done manually using pruning shears. The weeping crown shape of the Japanese sophora is artificially created, necessitating regular maintenance of this plant.
In 2023, the Municipal Enterprise «Miskzelentrest» plans to conduct formative pruning on 463 weeping trees across various sites, including the City Garden, the Central Square, Taras Shevchenko Park, and the «Luzanivka» hydropark.
*****
The Japanese sophora is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of 20-30 m in its native regions (Japan, China, Korea) and up to 10-12 m in temperate climates. It has a rounded crown and a robust root system. This species is long-lived, capable of surviving for over 500 years. In Odesa, sophora trees began to be used for greening since the 1820s.
