Once considered one of the greenest cities in Europe, Kyiv has now lost this status due to the mass disappearance of chestnuts and other trees that adorned the streets and boulevards of the capital.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Mass Tree Cutting and a Formal Approach to Assessment
In 2025, the enterprise “Kyivzelenbud” recognized over three thousand trees as hazardous and plans to remove them. The reason for such a decision often stems from even minor trunk damage, particularly the presence of first-degree cavities, where rot progresses inside the tree. Another reason for cutting down trees is a trunk tilt of 40–45 degrees, although this does not always indicate danger — sometimes it is a natural feature or a way for the tree to adapt to the urban environment. 
According to arborist Volodymyr Vetrohradskyy, the assessment of tree conditions in Kyiv often occurs in a formal manner, without considering the individual characteristics of the plants.
The Problem of Chaotic Development and Neglect of Green Spaces
The urban community notes that the capital authorities do not pay adequate attention to systematic greening. Instead, the interests of large developers are prioritized, who actively construct high-rise buildings and shopping and entertainment centers, leaving the issues of preserving and developing greenery unaddressed.
“Overall, the greening of the city should be systematic, not once every 10–50 years,” believes Volodymyr Vetrohradskyy.
Residents of Kyiv emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to the city’s greening, as it is the greenery that determines the quality of life in the metropolis and shapes its unique atmosphere.