Why was it forbidden to plant invasive trees and why is this not enough?

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In May 2023, the Ministry of Environment approved a list of 13 invasive tree species, which are now prohibited from being planted in forests. The list includes trees such as robinia pseudoacacia (known as white acacia), red oak, narrow-leaved olive and others. This decision – completely correct and long-awaited – caused a certain indignation among foresters, beekeepers and ordinary citizens. He said, “invasive trees do not pose any threat, and all acacia are now cut down.” Such a reaction is expected, but it is caused by lack of information. Previously, the threat posed by invasive trees in Ukraine was hardly talked about – and in vain. Invasive trees are not just foreign trees brought to Ukraine from other parts of the world. These are alien trees that actively spread independently, without direct human involvement. We have long been accustomed to many of them. Many invasive species of trees appeared on our land in the second half of the 19th century, when industrialization was taking place, steam engines were working in production, and railways were working. Such processes consumed a huge amount of energy, which was then available mainly in the form of firewood. In addition, sugar beet, hemp and other technical crops required larger areas. As a result, forests became less and less. Foresters tried to grow more productive forests on relatively small areas. In the Carpathians at this time, it was found best to plant spruce, in Polissia and in the Forest Steppe – pine. At the same time, they were looking abroad for trees that could grow on unproductive lands or on fertile soils to give even more wood. So, for example, acacia or red oak appeared on the territory of Ukraine – unpretentious newcomers from North America. 150 years have passed. Wood is no longer an irreplaceable energy resource. Imagine that even firewood is called an alternative type of fuel! We read the Forest Code and the very first articles say that forests are comprehensively important for the state and society, and not only as a source of wood. And it really is. Humanity faces global problems – climate change, loss of biodiversity. It is precisely to solve these problems that the decision of the Ministry of Environment is aimed at prohibiting the planting of these 13 invasive species of trees in forests. Today, it is important that forests, of which there are quite a few in Ukraine, are resistant to climate change. Therefore, it is important to preserve biodiversity – the key to the sustainability of ecosystems. The diversity of insects, fungi, and plants allows forests to adapt to human influence and even climate changes. And with the appearance of invasive trees, numerous sensitive species of animals, plants and fungi disappear from the forests. Their place is occupied by a small number of completely undemanding species. For example, white acacia stands mostly contain celandine, a poisonous plant that is not a food source for most of the insects, birds and fungi that live in the forest from our native tree species. Unfortunately, invasive trees change the environment so much that most native living organisms cannot survive in them. Another example is deciduous forests. In spring, they impress with a variety of flowers – snowdrops, snowdrops, snowdrops and other early blooming plants. These flowers are a good food base for ants and pollinating insects. But the situation changes when, instead of local maples, lindens and oaks, red oak or robinia prevail in the forests. Fallen leaves of red oak and robinia suppress the development of primroses – and there is no longer enough food for insects. You can see it all over Ukraine – for example, in the Mezyna or Ichnyan National Parks. On the left – the slopes of the Mezynsky National Park, overgrown with invasive robinia. On the right is a natural forest made of local tree species. Another example is the northernmost steppe reserve in Ukraine – Mykhailivska tsilyna. At one time, the untouched steppe areas were lined with forest strips of invasive trees – hemlock and Pennsylvania ash. Of course, invasive trees began to spread uncontrollably – that’s why now the protected steppes are under threat of destruction, because they are overgrown with thick undergrowth of alien trees. In order to preserve the remnants of natural forests and steppes of Ukraine, it is important to limit the use of all introduced trees. It is extremely difficult, which is why only the 13 most aggressive ones were banned. In fact, the decision of the Ministry of Environment to ban the planting of invasive species should have taken place a dozen years ago. But now is better than never. However, the list of invasive tree species was immediately filled with manipulations. It is important to understand that the ban on planting invasive trees only applies to forests – not city parks or private gardens. It is also important that the legislation does not change anything for existing acacia or other invasive tree forests. No one plans to cut them down. You should also not worry that without planting invasive trees, it will not be possible to restore the war-damaged forests of the East and South. If it succeeds, there would be a desire and resources – because for this there are enough both local tree species and other approaches. It is only necessary to move away from the Soviet practice of “economy first, and nature will suffer.” What is really important now is not to lose pace. Invasive trees in forests are only part of the problem. There are many other invasive species – animals, plants, which spread uncontrollably across Ukraine. Our legislation requires comprehensive and modern approaches to the management of all invasive species. And, by the way, such legislation will be mandatory for joining the EU. So there is work to be done. Serhii Panchenko, doctor of biological sciences, head of the scientific research department of the “Hetmanskyi” National Nature Park, specially for UP. Life Publications in the “View” section are not editorial articles and reflect exclusively the author’s point of view

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