Czech Know-How Helps Trees in Ukraine

Uzhhorod became the center of arborist expertise from all over Ukraine for two days. A professional seminar held there at the end of March by our foundation together with the Ukrainian Ekosfera connected Ukrainian arborists, Czech know-how, and practical care for urban greenery.

Experts in tree care, sharing European know-how, and hands-on care of trees directly on city streets—that was the arborist seminar held on March 30 and 31, 2026, in Uzhhorod as part of the Partnership for Sustainable Ukraine Recovery program. The event was organized by the Partnership Foundation in cooperation with the Ukrainian NGO Ekosfera. The meeting brought arborists from various regions of Ukraine to the city.

“Such events are extremely important for developing the arborist community in Ukraine. We gained not only new knowledge but also motivation to improve our work quality,” said one participant, Maksym Makukha.

Uzhhorod has long focused on developing and caring for urban greenery. Hosting the arborist seminar fits into the city's broader efforts to create a higher-quality, healthier, and safer public space. Expert care has the greatest impact on whether trees will thrive in the city, fulfill their ecological and aesthetic role, and bring joy to residents.

The seminar provided a space to exchange experiences, build professional networks, and learn about modern European approaches to urban greenery care. It confirmed that quality public spaces don’t happen by chance but depend on expertise, long-term care, and sound decisions.

Theory Led by a Czech Expert

A key part of the program was lectures and discussions with Czech expert Ing. Pavel Wágner, a certified arborist and landscape engineer with many years of experience. Participants addressed selecting quality planting material, specifics of tree planting in urban environments, young tree staking methods, and modern care approaches in the first years after planting.

Also important were common mistakes in tree care. The seminar showed that even well-meant actions can harm trees if not based on expert knowledge. Sharing proven methods and explaining details were among the event’s most valuable moments.

Practical Work in Uzhhorod’s Streets

The practical part of the seminar took place in Uzhhorod’s streets and parks. Participants watched demonstrations of professional pruning and shaping, worked with specialized arborist tools, learned to assess tree health, and safely use equipment. It wasn’t just observation—they also actively helped plant new trees.

A powerful moment was caring for a linden tree planted at the Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk memorial. This tree was planted in 2022 as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine by Partnership Foundation director Petr Kazda. The linden is a descendant of the rare Masaryk linden from Plečnik’s vineyard at Prague Castle. During the seminar, participants assessed the tree’s condition, discussed proper care, and linked new knowledge to this concrete practice. The teaching thus naturally blended with caring for a living symbol of Czech-Ukrainian cooperation. 

Impactful Experience

About twenty arborists from across Ukraine attended the seminar. Alongside new insights, they especially valued sharing experiences with Czech colleagues and discussing specific examples from their own work.

The seminar fulfilled its goal: it contributed to raising professional knowledge in urban greenery care and strengthened cooperation between Ukrainian and Czech experts. Participants took home practical advice and methodological materials they can use immediately in daily work.

The Partnership Foundation thanks Ekosfera for helping organize the event and all participants for their active approach and efforts to develop the arborist profession in Ukraine. Thanks to such meetings, Ukrainian cities can become greener, healthier, and more pleasant places to live.