In Odesa, 72 million was spent on trees and landscaping in 2026

In Odesa, the municipal enterprise “MiskzelenTrust” utilized over 70 million hryvnias of the nearly 95 million hryvnias allocated for the first half of 2026. At the same time, the enterprise reported a shortage of staff and a need for additional funding.

During a meeting of the Odesa City Council’s Committee on Housing and Utilities, the director of the municipal enterprise “MiskzelenTrust” reported on the company’s operations and the implementation of its financial plan for the first six months of 2026.

The enterprise’s financial plan for 2026 totals 175 million 57 thousand hryvnias. Of this amount, 165 million 57 thousand hryvnias are to come from the budget of the Odesa City Territorial Community, with another 10 million hryvnias coming from the enterprise’s own revenues.

For the first half of the year, 94,618,000 UAH was planned, of which 89,618,000 UAH was budget funding and 5,000,000 UAH was the company’s own revenue. During the reporting period, the enterprise utilized 71,658,000 UAH, which represents 79.96% of the expenditures planned for this period.

Over the course of six months, the “MiskzelenTrust” municipal enterprise carried out work on the maintenance and restoration of green spaces and landscaping features under the enterprise’s jurisdiction. In particular, decorative elements of the rotundas in the City Garden on Deribasovskaya Street and on Krymsky Boulevard were repaired, as were landscaping elements and playgrounds in Istanbul Park, on Primorska Street, near the entrance to Primorsky Boulevard, and on Donska Square.

During the reporting period, the company removed 675 trees, pruned branches on 505 trees, trimmed 2,179 trees, and rejuvenated 474 trees. In addition, approximately 1,060 cubic meters of branches and pruning debris were loaded and hauled away.

Separately, cleanup operations were carried out: over 4,100 cubic meters of trash were collected and loaded; 2,227 holes were dug for planting trees and shrubs; and 2,280 trees and shrubs were planted. They also cleared trash cans, lawns, flower beds, and hedges of leaves and trash.

The company also reported on a significant amount of tree-related work. Specifically, they pruned and thinned the crowns of 1,185 trees and 2,241 shrubs, shaped and pruned old trees, and cut up fallen and hazardous trees.

During the discussion, the directorof the “Miskzelentrest” municipal enterprise noted that a shortage of workers remains one of the main problems. At the same time, the enterprise already has seven crews, as well as two large 35-meter-tall aerial work platforms and another 18-meter-tall piece of equipment. They plan to purchase two more 35-meter aerial work platforms—these are particularly necessary for working with tall poplars.

The company’s director stated that employees work daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. According to him, the company has to carry out work simultaneously in different parts of the city, particularly in courtyards and other locations.

During the meeting, the issue of informing Odessa residents about planned tree removal or pruning was also raised. The company noted that it plans to announce such work in advance on the city’s website, as some residents perceive tree removal as deforestation.

Company representatives explained that additional difficulties arise when unscrupulous developers, under the guise of sanitary tree pruning, actually carry out construction-related work.

The company’s director also highlighted the need for additional funding. According to him, the company cannot cover all areas of the city simultaneously with its current crews, particularly courtyards and other areas where work is needed.

During the meeting, a separate request was made to pay attention to the condition of the greenery in “Aeroportivskyi” Park.

In early August,the Center for Public Investigationsanalyzed the report on the implementation of the City’s Targeted Beautification Program for 2022–2028.

It turned out that among other unfulfilled measures were the removal of hazardous trees near apartment buildings and the dismantling or relocation of monuments and memorials. Regarding these areas, the report indicated that no work was carried out in 2025.

Анна Літман