The purpose of the work is to evaluate the ecological state of the prevailing species of woody plants in the city of Lipetsk and to elaborate recommendations for improving green spaces. There were examined thirty street landscaping facilities, including 8537 trees. In the course of the study, there were identified five classes of trees vitality. There were also calculated the average scores of the prevailing tree species and the overall ratio of the city street plantings. As a result of the study, there were identified 31 species of trees. 14.5% of the surveyed trees were classified as "healthy" by vital condition. The "weakened trees" group got 38.8 %. "Severely weakened" group counted 24.7%. The category" shrinking" trees had 19.2%. Completely dry woody plants scored 2.8%. Based on the obtained data, there were made recommendations how to improve the sustainability of green spaces in an urbanized environment. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2020.