Daisugi: the technique with which Japan obtains wood without cutting down trees

If there is an ancient tradition that recognizes the value of tree beings, that is the Japanese tradition. Known for her art of growing trees, which they believe represent a bridge between the divine and the human. Since ancient times, the Japanese have sought ways to extract natural resources from trees but in a sustainable way.for this they developed a technique called daisugiwith which they obtain wood without cutting down trees.

At some point in the history of Japan in the 15th century, a technique known as Daisugi arose in Kyoto, which translated from Japanese means ‘cedar platform’. It was used as a means to solve the scarcity of trees and also as a way to obtain wood from them without having to cut them down. At that time, the architectural form known as sukiya zukuri which uses highly stylized wood. However, there were not enough natural resources to build houses for all the nobles and samurai. Therefore, the foresters devised a way to establish a harmonious relationship with the resources they already had and created the Daisugi to take advantage of them.

What is the Daisugi technique?

The Japanese began to use bonsai techniques but applied to the large cedars that inhabited the region. The result was an exotic appearance where The trees, after forming a leafy crown, grew smaller trunks that resembled palm trees. As its name suggests, the Daisugi uses the cedars as a platform and then makes small trees on top that supply the wood. In this way, cedars maintain their longevity and continue to form roots that give them strength.

Since ancient times and for many years, Japan has continued to implement this form of forestry as a extremely effective measure against deforestation, at the same time as obtaining quality wood. The wood obtained from the upper logs is 140% more flexible than standard cedar and 200% stronger. With these characteristics, it is used in constructions that are often hit by typhoons due to the characteristics of the region. In addition, the wood also has a perfectly uniform appearance that makes it suitable for the aesthetics of Japanese architecture.

Indiscriminate felling to satisfy the demand of the timber industry is usually the main cause of the loss of primeval forests that are of vital importance to the planet. However, there are always other ways to obtain natural resources in a sustainable way and not break the balance. Japan has been producing wood without cutting down trees for centuries, a lesson that modern life must surely learn.

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