In early August 2025, large-scale agrotechnical work began in a special territory of the Asanbai Askarov Arboretum in Shymkent - Tukhimbak . The total area of this territory is 1.5 hectares and is specially allocated for scientific research purposes. Important botanical work is being carried out here to improve the ecology of the city, increase greenery, and preserve rare plants.

The nursery is a unique botanical area in the arboretum. It grows coniferous, deciduous, ornamental, and introduced plants, that is, rare plants brought from other climatic zones and adapted to the local environment. This area is aimed at scientific research, enriching the local flora, and increasing the biodiversity of the city's nature.

Currently, agrotechnical work is actively being carried out in the nursery, such as loosening the soil, removing weeds, watering and tying seedlings. Each tree and shrub is treated with special care, creating favorable conditions for their growth and development. This is a concrete step towards achieving long-term ecological results.

This year's special feature is scientifically based agricultural techniques.

The main feature of the 2025 campaign is the reliance on experimental scientific methods. In addition to local specialists, agronomists and botanists are invited from the cities of Almaty, Turkestan and Taraz, and the quality of work is being improved through the exchange of experience. New types of plants are being studied and their adaptation to the local climate is being considered. In addition, the irrigation system has been modernized and drip irrigation has been introduced. This, in turn, will help save water, especially on hot summer days, preventing plants from burning.

The historical role of the seed

The arboretum was first established in the 1990s. Even then, work was underway to introduce plants to the local environment. However, due to a lack of funds and specialists, many initiatives were abandoned. In the past five years, the attitude towards the arboretum has changed radically, and the arboretum has been revived. Now this territory has risen to a new level and is being re-considered as a scientific research object.

For example, in 2021, only about 20 species were grown here, but now their number has exceeded 60. Among them, Lebanese cedar, Korean pine, and Japanese sakura, which are considered difficult to adapt to the climate, have successfully grown and bloomed. This is the result of the professional skills and agrotechnical methods of local specialists.

Future plans

The work in the arboretum does not end there. By 2026, the administration of the arboretum plans to expand the territory by another 0.5 hectares. In addition, a scientific and educational center will be opened, and excursions and practical classes for schoolchildren and students will be organized. This initiative will contribute to the formation of an ecological culture of young people and their love for nature.

Comparison with the past: differences and achievements

Compared to previous years, this year's work in the nursery is more systematic and scientifically based. For example, in 2019, some landscaping work was also carried out, but the activities at that time were seasonal in nature, lacking scientific consistency and regular maintenance. In addition, the irrigation system was carried out manually or in the old way, which required a lot of time and resources. Today, these works are automated and are carried out in economical and efficient ways.

Another important difference is the active involvement of society. Today, volunteer organizations and environmental activists are actively involved in the care of the nursery. They organize Sabbaths and help maintain the trees. Previously, such public participation was rare.

Social responsibility and environmental culture

The arboretum is not just a part of the arboretum, it is a center of ecological culture. Residents and guests of the city not only walk here, but also learn new information about plants and understand the importance of nature protection. The Shymkent city administration also aims to form a common environmental responsibility among residents through such initiatives.

The Tukhimbak in the Asanbay Askarov Arboretum is a reflection of respect for nature, scientific research, and faith in the future. Every tree growing here is a sure sign of a step towards a green city. Projects like Tukhimbak play a special role in improving the ecological situation of Shymkent and passing on natural wealth to future generations. There is confidence that in the future, such green initiatives will expand to other districts of the city and become an example for all regions of the country.