Mykolaiv Tree Trimming Scandal: Parks Face Backlash

A scandal over the maintenance of green spaces has erupted in Mykolaiv once again. This time, the focus of attention was on the actions of Mykolaivoblenergo, which trimmed trees within the security zones of power grids. The State Environmental Inspectorate recorded damage to 13 trees of various species on Okeanivska Street.

Representatives of the Mykolaiv Parks utility company did not show up at the meeting of the regional council's specialized committee on ecology, which caused outrage among the deputies. According to officials, the utility company systematically ignores appeals and inquiries, refuses to cooperate and evades responsibility.

According to official information, the tree trimming was planned and agreed with Mykolaiv Parks, which is responsible for the care of green spaces. However, after the work was completed, the company accused the power engineers of causing damage to nature. Moreover, representatives of the utility publicly expressed their indignation, even though they had previously agreed on the pruning schedule themselves.

Additionally, the environmental inspectorate is considering complaints from citizens about possible air pollution from Mykolaiv Parks, as their headquarters uses unknown materials for heating. An inspection is being prepared in this regard.

The members of the Standing Committee emphasized that the issue of tree care should be regulated by clear rules to avoid similar conflicts in the future.

On January 4, 2025, 13 trees were destroyed along the road in the Korabelnyi district of Mykolaiv, on Okeanivska Street. Representatives of Mykolaiv Parks stated that the State Ecological Inspectorate did not take any action regarding this incident. Instead, the environmental inspectorate explained that in accordance with the rules for protecting power grids, certain work can be carried out in sanitary and security zones. At the same time, the responsibility for the preservation of green spaces lies with the territory's balance sheet holder.

In early January, the city authorities also considered the issue of compliance with environmental legislation by the MykolaivParks utility company. They discussed the possibility of illegal actions by its director, including threats against representatives of regulatory authorities and obstruction of deputy activities.

The Mykolaiv Regional Council appealed to the local authorities to resolve the problem with tree felling and the illegal behavior of the head of the utility company. Based on the results of the review, the commission recommended that the mayor conduct psycho-correctional work with him.

Анна Бальчінос