Preserving Greenery: Pruning of Japanese Sophora in Odessa
At the end of winter, just before the growing season begins, specialists from the Municipal Greenery Trust carry out formative pruning of grafted weeping trees, including Japanese sophora, mulberry, and ash trees. This is an essential annual procedure for the health of these species.
The sophoras adorning the city square were planted on September 25, 1895, and this year they will celebrate their 130th anniversary. These Japanese sophoras are classified as local botanical monuments of nature.
Since early February, the urban gardeners have begun rejuvenation pruning of sophoras throughout the city. The work is done manually with pruning shears. The weeping crown shape for the Japanese sophora is not natural but is artificially created by the gardeners, which necessitates regular pruning of this plant.
This year, it is planned to conduct formative pruning on 463 weeping trees across various sites managed by the Municipal Greenery Trust (City Garden, Theatre Square, Shevchenko Park, Luzanivka Hydropark, etc.).
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The Japanese sophora is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of 20-30 meters in its native habitat (Japan, China, Korea) but typically grows to no more than 10-12 meters in temperate climates. It has a spherical crown and a robust root system. This species is known for its longevity, living over 500 years. The use of sophora for landscaping in Odessa began in the 1820s.
