The species diversity was studied and the ecological state of the tree and shrub vegetation on the territory of one of the oldest and largest parks in Rostov-on-Don - Maxim Gorky Park of Culture and Recreation was assessed. An area of 33,000 m2, located in the north-eastern part of the park, was allocated for study. 17 species of woody and shrubby plants were identified in the study area, among which the park-forming species are European linden (Tiliaeuropaea), Evergreen cypress (Cupressussempervirens L.), Common pine (the vital state of plants,the nature of the herbage closability, woody and shrubby plants, grassy lawn covering, urban park landscapes, the Park of Culture and Recreation named after Maxim Gorkiyabsence of signs of weakening (55%), and dead wood is only 1%. The quality of the lawn covering is quite low, and the soil under it is characterized by high compaction. Basically, the nature of the closure of the herbage is mosaic–group, and the projective coverage reaches maximum values (80%) for the entire study area in the early spring. Measures to preserve and optimize the park area are proposed.

Keywords: the vital state of plants,the nature of the herbage closability, woody and shrubby plants, grassy lawn covering, urban park landscapes, the Park of Culture and Recreation named after Maxim Gorkiy