The Daisugi method is a fascinating Japanese forestry technique. This method originated in the Kitayama region of Japan during the 14th century and has been used to cultivate Japanese cedar trees, known as "sugi".
Sugi, known scientifically as Cryptomeria japonica, is a species of cedar endemic to Japan.
It has distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from other cedars, such as red cedar or Atlas cedar.
Sugi has needle-shaped leaves that are bright green and spirally distributed along the branches. Its cones are small and oval-shaped, and contain winged seeds. In addition, its bark is reddish and peels off in thin sheets.
In terms of growth, the sugi is known for its rapid development and can reach impressive heights. It is one of the largest and longest-lived trees in Japan, with specimens exceeding 1,000 years of age.
In comparison, other cedars, such as red cedar (Cedrus atlantica) or Atlas cedar (Cedrus libani), have shorter leaves and stiffer needles. Their cones are larger and their bark can have darker shades and different textures.
Daisugi involves selectively pruning young sugi trees, leaving only the top shoots to grow vertically. These shoots grow into long, straight trunks with no side branches, allowing for greater production of high quality timber.
This approach has several benefits. Firstly, it allows for a more efficient use of forest space, as several trees can be grown in a small area, and by having straight, unbranched trunks, the resulting wood is more valuable and is used for construction, carpentry and other purposes although the amount of wood produced may be limited compared to other forest production methods.
Daisugi also has a positive impact on the environment as it promotes the natural regeneration of forests and helps to maintain ecological diversity.
In addition, by using young trees instead of felling mature trees, pressure on forest resources is reduced.
In short, the Daisugi method is an ingenious and sustainable technique that has been used for centuries in Japan for the cultivation of Japanese cedar.
