The south of Ukraine is not particularly conducive to the natural growth of forests, so almost all of them here are man-made. Foresters in the Mykolaiv, Odesa and Kherson regions have to contend with a number of constraints – ranging from a short planting season to pests. However, between 2023 and 2025, they managed to create nearly 8,000 hectares of southern forests.
The State Enterprise ‘Forests of Ukraine’ has outlined the specific features of their development.
Characteristics of the tree species
Tree species that are most common in the rest of Ukraine struggle to take root in the south. This is due to the drier climate with lower rainfall. Therefore, for planting, specialists select drought-resistant species, predominantly those with a well-developed taproot system that extends deep into the ground.
The following species are most commonly chosen:
- among conifers – Crimean pine. It is not only adapted to hot weather but is also quite undemanding concerning soil quality;
- among hardwoods – common oak, common ash, and black locust.
Monoculture forests, according to "Forests of Ukraine," are inefficient to plant here. "Pure" stands are extremely vulnerable to pests and diseases. Therefore, specialists often alternate species, and in the south one can see pines and oaks neighboring fruit trees and shrubs.
Source: SE "Forests of Ukraine" / Facebook
Planting limitations
Foresters have only a few weeks to plant seedlings while there is still moisture in the soil after snowmelt. Typically, this occurs in early spring. And to allow better establishment, planting material with a closed root system is most frequently used.
Critical importance of maintenance
Planting conditions in the south differ dramatically from those in the Carpathians or Polissia. In the southern regions, without proper care, young trees will simply die. Therefore, among the rows of young forests, the soil must be regularly loosened and weeds removed. This continues for 3–5 years after planting.
"To ensure the survival of these and previously established stands, large-scale maintenance work is being carried out. The maintenance plan for non-closed forest crops in 2026 amounts to 10,245 ha. During the first half of the year, maintenance of non-closed forest crops was carried out on 103% of the plan," reported the state enterprise.
EcoPolitic previously reported on critical problems with shelterbelts in Ukraine. The climate, the advanced age of trees, and bureaucratic nuances impede proper maintenance and restoration of these mini-forests.
