When new roads, railways or buildings are planned, centuries-old trees are often among the first casualties of development. But in Japan, some of the country’s most valuable trees are being given a second chance.
Instead of cutting them down, arborists and horticulturists sometimes move them using a painstaking process that can take months or even more than a year. Before moving a tree, specialists carefully prepare its root system to improve its chances of survival in a new location. This technique, known as nemawashi, combines centuries of horticultural knowledge with modern engineering and reflects Japan’s ancient respect for nature and cultural heritage.
Its continued use highlights a conservation philosophy that values the preservation of living history, proving that development and environmental stewardship can sometimes coexist.
Why does Japan move some centuries-old trees instead of cutting them down?
Not every tree that stands in the way of development is moved. This practice is generally limited to trees of exceptional historical, cultural or ecological value. Many of these trees are found on temple grounds, shrines, traditional gardens, parks, or historic neighbourhoods, where they have stood for generations and are considered part of local heritage.
In some cases, moving a mature tree also helps maintain biodiversity and landscape character while allowing infrastructure projects to continue. Since the process is expensive and technically demanding, authorities carefully evaluate whether relocation is practical before deciding against removal.
Preparation for months hidden underground
The most notable part of the transportation process occurs long before the cranes arrive.Months before transplantation, specialists begin carefully pruning the tree’s roots.
Instead of uprooting the entire root system at once, they gradually cut back selected roots around the tree. This encourages the growth of new, fine feeder roots closer to the trunk.These nutrient roots are essential because they absorb most of the water and nutrients needed to survive. By allowing them to develop before transporting, experts greatly 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 from six months to more than a year.
What is neimawashi and why does it matter?
In Japan, the process of preparing the roots is known as nemawashi, a term that literally translates to “wrapping around the roots.”Originally a gardening practice, neimawashi has become a widely used expression in Japanese business and politics, referring to quietly laying the groundwork before introducing major changes.
This metaphor comes straight from planting trees: careful preparation before taking any decisive action leads to better results.In gardening, the principle remains the same. Preparing the roots first greatly increases the likelihood that a mature tree will survive this step.
How does Japan move giant trees?
Once the root system is ready, the transplanting process 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 can also be secured to prevent damage during transport.Depending on the size of the tree, cranes, hydraulic lifting equipment, or specially designed transport vehicles are used to move it to its new location. There, they are replanted in a carefully prepared hole, supported with stabilizing structures and closely monitored with regular watering and maintenance until they establish new growth.
Does every transplanted tree survive?
Even with months of preparation, moving a mature tree is never a guarantee of success. Larger trees face greater 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 transplantation and quality of aftercare. For this reason, Japanese arborists reserve this technique for trees whose cultural, historical or ecological value justifies the significant cost and effort.
A lesson in balancing development and conservation
Japan’s approach demonstrates that urban development and environmental conservation do not always have to be conflicting goals. Although relocating centuries-old trees requires careful planning, specialized expertise and significant investments, it allows some of the country’s most valuable natural landmarks to survive for future generations. Rather than viewing ancient trees as obstacles, the practice treats them as living heritage worth preserving, even as cities continue to grow.
The careful and patient horticultural practice that has become a metaphor for how to carefully introduce change into business and politics carries more meaning than most agricultural techniques can achieve. Nemawashi works on trees because you can’t rush developing roots, and it works as a concept in organizations for exactly the same reason: preparation is action, not delay before the action begins.
