BERKSHIRE FOREST PRESERVATION

 

lONG TERM FOREST PRESERVATION

In the very near future we will be implementing a project which will utilize an ancient Japanese technique from the 14th century

which will allow our organization to produce lumber without having to cut down trees.  This technique is called DAISUGI. 

Daisugi is a technique similar to Coppicing, used on Cryptomeria (Sugi) trees. 

The term roughly tranlates to "Platform Cedar".

 

Originally invented by the people of the region of Kitayama of Kyoto, the method was used to solve the problem of shortage

of seedlings.  There is little flat land in the region, and planting and raising trees on the steep slopes proved extremely difficult.

As a result, Daisugi tailoring allowed Aborists to reduce the number of plantations, make the harvest cycle faster and produce

denser wood as well.  Shoots from the base of the tree are pruned so that the trunk stays straight.  It is believed that the

production of logs by Daisugi began in the Murmachi period.  At that time, the tea ceremony became popular in part because

Daisugi logs were used in the tea room construction, for example for the Tokonoma alcove.