In Japan, the tradition of nemawashi, meaning 'laying the groundwork,' reveres mature trees as sacred beings, leading specialists to spend months preparing and carefully relocating them rather than cutting them down for development projects. This blend of ancient techniques and modern tools offers a model for urban tree preservation worldwide.
- Careful root preparation protects trees during lengthy relocation processes.
- Shinto beliefs inspire the sacred treatment of century-old trees.
- Modern tech refines a tradition that benefits urban ecology and biodiversity.
What happened
Japan’s nemawashi tradition involves months of meticulous preparation before physically relocating a mature tree. Arborists carefully expose, wrap, and bind the root system by hand, a practice known as root balling, which protects delicate roots during transport. Using cranes, inflatable platforms, and other specialized equipment, the trees are then moved to newly prepared sites free from debris, with the entire process sometimes lasting up to a year to ensure trees settle well into their new homes.
This ancient method has been enhanced with modern innovations like GPS tracking and 3D soil modeling, helping specialists plan and execute each relocation with precision. By combining traditional knowledge with technology, Japan preserves its mature urban trees even in the face of large-scale development projects, sustaining both natural heritage and green spaces.
Why it feels good
At the heart of nemawashi is a deep respect for nature grounded in Shinto beliefs, which regard mature trees, especially those over 100 years old, as homes to kodama, or tree spirits. Cutting down such trees is seen as a spiritual risk, potentially provoking angry spirits. Through nemawashi, Japan honors these sacred connections and treats each tree as more than just vegetation—it's a bearer of life and spirituality deserving reverence.
Beyond spiritual values, relocating established trees preserves vital ecological benefits that young saplings cannot immediately provide. Mature greenery offers essential canopy cover, carbon absorption, and habitats for urban wildlife, helping cities maintain biodiversity and environmental health. This mindful approach fosters a harmonious coexistence between urban development and nature.
What to enjoy or watch next
Future urban redevelopment plans across Japan may increasingly incorporate nemawashi-inspired techniques as public demand grows for sustainable green spaces. Projects like Tokyo’s Jingu Gaien district highlight how community and environmentalist voices can influence design decisions, such as relocating a baseball stadium to protect old ginkgo trees and expanding green zones.
Meanwhile, Japan continues to innovate with complementary ecology-focused methods like the Miyawaki forest technique, which rapidly establishes dense native forests to enhance biodiversity and carbon capture. Keeping an eye on how these traditions blend with technology can inspire greener cities worldwide, encouraging cities everywhere to work with nature rather than against it.