State and structure of urban forests in Kharkiv region

Abstract Deterioration of water conservation, water protection, water-regulating, soil-protective, health and recreational properties of urban forests is an urgent problem in urban areas. Researching the state and growth characteristics of urban forests will help in developing the best forestry management activities of care. The objects of study were the urban forests of Kharkiv region. During the study, methods commonly used in forestry, forest inventory and biometrics were applied. The investigation determined a species range of urban forests and prevailing species in terms of users. The stands’ distribution by species composition, age groups, their average age, site class, stand density and timber volume was determined. The practicability of further research of these objects was proved.