Today’s Good News story comes from the India Times and was sent to me by Noelle Granger . Thank you, Noelle
Japan does not cut down centuries-old trees for development. Instead, experts spend months preparing their roots and relocating them
Why Japan relocates some centuries-old trees instead of cutting them down
Not every tree standing in the path of development is relocated. The practice is generally reserved for trees with exceptional historical, cultural, or ecological value. Many of these trees are found in temple grounds, shrines, traditional gardens, parks, or historic neighborhoods, where they have stood for generations and are considered part of local heritage, often holding deep spiritual, emotional, and community significance for nearby residents and visitors alike. In some cases, moving a mature tree also helps preserve biodiversity and the character of a landscape while allowing infrastructure projects to continue. Because the process is expensive and technically demanding, authorities carefully evaluate whether relocation is practical before deciding against removal.
The months-long preparation hidden beneath the ground
The most remarkable part of the relocation process happens long before cranes arrive. Months before transplantation, specialists begin carefully pruning the tree’s roots. Instead of uprooting the entire root system at once, they gradually trim selected roots around the tree. This encourages the growth of new, fine feeder roots closer to the trunk. These feeder roots are essential because they absorb most of the water and nutrients needed for survival. By allowing them to develop before relocation, experts significantly reduce transplant shock and improve the tree’s chances of adapting to its new environment. Depending on the size and species, this preparation may take anywhere from six months to over a year.
What is nemawashi, and why does it matter?
The root-preparation process is known in Japan as nemawashi, a term that literally means “going around the roots.”Originally a horticultural practice, nemawashi has become a widely used term in Japanese business and politics, referring to quietly laying the groundwork before introducing major changes. The metaphor comes directly from tree transplantation: careful preparation before taking decisive action leads to better outcomes. In gardening, the principle remains the same. Preparing the roots first greatly increases the likelihood that a mature tree will survive the move.
How Japan moves giant trees
Once the root system is ready, the relocation begins. Workers excavate around the tree to preserve as much of the prepared root ball as possible. The roots are wrapped in protective materials such as burlap, while the trunk and branches may also be secured to prevent damage during transport. Depending on the tree’s size, cranes, hydraulic lifting equipment, or specially designed transport vehicles are used to move it to its new location. There, it is replanted in a carefully prepared pit, supported by stabilizing structures, and monitored closely through regular watering and maintenance until it establishes new growth.
Does every relocated tree survive?
Even with months of preparation, relocating a mature tree is never guaranteed to succeed. Larger trees experience significant stress because part of their root system is inevitably lost during transplantation. Success depends on factors including the species, age, health of the tree, timing of the move, and the quality of aftercare. For this reason, Japanese arborists reserve the technique for trees whose cultural, historical, or environmental value justifies the considerable cost and effort involved.
A lesson in balancing development and conservation
Japan’s approach demonstrates that urban development and environmental conservation do not always have to be opposing goals. Although relocating centuries-old trees requires careful planning, specialized expertise, and significant investment, it allows some of the country’s most treasured natural landmarks to survive for future generations. Rather than viewing ancient trees as obstacles, the practice treats them as living heritage worthy of preservation, even as cities continue to grow. A horticultural practice so precise and patient that it became a metaphor for introducing change carefully in business and politics is carrying more meaning than most agricultural techniques do. Nemawashi works on trees because you cannot rush root development, and it works as a concept in organizations for exactly the same reason: the preparation is the work, not a delay before the work begins.
The good news in this story is that people care for ancient trees when they have to be moved. Today’s JohnKu talks about caring for nature. I hope you have a terrific weekend.
Nature by John W. Howell ©2026
Nature needs our help,
Her welfare should be thought one. . .
When building is done.
Such a lovely thing to do, John… most people still don’t appreciate how valuable trees are to the planet, no matter how old they are…
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Very true. Especially in third-world countries.
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I love trees, so it was lovely to see such care being taken…
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I agree, Jaye. It is lovely. 😊
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💕
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I love this.Go Japan!. Can you imagine our Forest Sevice taking the time?
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I can’t imagine it, Pat.
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🌳🌳
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This is definitely not an easy undertaking. Very costly and time-consuming. And wow, kudos to a country that “gets it,” John!
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The Japanese are very good at honoring tradition and venerability. Thanks, Bruce. 😊
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I.am constantly amazed at the thoughtfulness of the Japanese with regard to nature
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They have so many people in such a small space that their future depends on it.
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Completely agree! I enjoyed our trip there – loved the fact that you could be in a garden in the middle of Tokyo and feel completely isolated.
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whoa, how crazy wonderful it this!
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I agree, Annette.
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John, they say the same thing l do when l go to the car wash, “nemawashi” What’s up with that❗🐳
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They don’t collect the $12.00, though. 😄
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You got that right❗I’m still waiting for “Free” car washes for EVERYONE🐳
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John, a little confused 🤔… they say the same thing l do when l go to the car wash, “nemawashi”… what’s up with that❗🐳
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Don’t forget to get that super rinse.😄
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Do you know how much that 👶 costs…send funds🤣
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That is one big tree. I’ve seen it done here. But not like that. Here huge machines kinda put blades into the earth around the tree. Then they go down and kind of scoop the tree out. Then they load it on a truck and relocate it. No idea of the success. But it must work or they wouldn’t do it.
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I have seen those machines. They are awesome. I think they work pretty well.
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What an amazing thing to do. Kudos to Japan for undertaking these uprooting vs cutting down endeavours. Wonderful.
Happy Friday, John!
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Thank you, Dale. Happy Saturday.
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My pleasure, John. Cheers ya later from my mother’s 85th birthday party!
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Whoa, sounds great. Where has Marco been?
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It will be lovely!
Marco said he was not blogging until August. Mayhaps tomorrow he’ll be inspired?
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Let’s hope.
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Fingers crossed
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😊
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Thank you for sharing this good news, John. It ably demonstrates where there’s a will there’s a way. We just have to have the will.
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We just have to have the will is true. Thanks. Liz.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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Saving the trees is the right thing to do, John, in my opinion, and it’s good to learn that it’s preferred in Japan. Really nice that you posted about it. 😊
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Thank you, Tim. I was amazed at the patience of those folks. 😊
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That is so cool.
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I agree. Thanks, Charles
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Japan would cry if they heard what builders/developers say here as they clearcut a swath of land: For every **insert amount here** amount of trees we cut down, we will plant one. Total dumbasses here.
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I think that is a perfect word for those who clear cut trees. Dumbasses for sure. Thanks, Lois
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Wow this is so heart rendering and such an example of their culture of caring for each other. Thanks for hating John!
💕
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I agree, Cindy. They do have feelings for nature which has been taught since forever.
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🎄🌴🌳lovely!❣️
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😊
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The Japanese revere age and respect nature. We would be wise to follow their lead though I’m sure developers cringe at the thought with having any limitations on their lust for consuming ground and old buildings.
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I don’t get developers and their wish to clear-cut everything before they start.
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It’s all about money and greed. They want to clear everything asap so they can build, build, build.
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You are so right. 🤨
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Saw it in action and I was shocked that it worked. A hundred years ago someone planted a redwood by the St. Luke’s Hospital, in Boise for some reason. When the hospital expanded they actually relocated the tree and it is thriving.
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Wow. That is wonderful. Thanks, Craig.
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My admiration for the Japanese people just went up a notch or three. Few things distress me as much as seeing a beautiful old tree felled so the ground can be compacted, probably paved over, and built on. Nevermind that the trees are hundreds (or more) of years old! Oops, I’m getting on my soapbox, aren’t I? I’ll hush now and sit down. Thanks for sharing this with us, John.
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I agree. I hate it when old growth goes down. You can bring your soapbox anytime. We have a hook here if you get out of hand.
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I love that they do this with some of their oldest trees!
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I do too. Thanks, Deborah.
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Truly incredible, John. So much patience and care go into this process. Your JohnKu sums it up perfect.
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Thank you, Steve. 😊
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It is the first time I hear of nemawashi and I did not even realize how challenging it is to relocate a grown tree without killing it. It is certainly wonderful that they do this.
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I’m surprised the concept of nemawashi wasn’t used in business more.
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Yes I agree. We should adopt it
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Yes, business should.
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😊
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😊
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This is great news, John! Blessed should be the Japanese government! Here in Germany in the rural areas they cut down every tree they can reach. Without any need. Then the plant new trees, because there is an EU funding for this. Best wishes, and enjoy your weekend! xx Michael
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The EU is out of control. I feel sorry for its members.
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This was very interesting, John. Of course it’s good news!
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Yes, it is. 😊
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😀
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I’m glad they’re doing their best, and I’m sure they’ve thought of this, but why not build their roads or buildings around the trees? That seems like the best solution. I’m sure they have their reasons, but sheesh. If I were super old, I’d want to be left alone. 😛
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I’m super old and want to be left alone, so I get your point. Thanks, Ilsa.
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Hahaha! 🙂
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😊
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I wish our developers embraced nature with more respect, and that respect goes beyond trees.
Thanks for the illuminating article and thoughtful JohnKu, John!
🌳X 🌳X
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Glad you liked it Resa. 🌳X 😄X
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Japan takes great care of their country, other countries could take a page from them. 😊
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Yes, they could.
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😊
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😄
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