Creating a Society in Harmony with the EnvironmentzApplication of Research Results

Creation of a “Conservation Manual for
Trees of Landscape Importance”
MATSUE Masahiko,Head IIZUKA Yasuo,Ssenior Researcher
Landscape and Ecology Division, Environment Department

1. BackgroundIn 2004, a Landscape Act was passed to promote thecreation of good landscapes in Japan’s cities and rural
areas. The law makes it possible to specify landscapeplanning areas and designate “trees of landscapeimportance” (trees that are important to the formationof good landscapes in those areas). The designatedtrees then need to be managed appropriately to ensurethat good landscapes are not lost. Many of these trees
are thought to be giant trees or old trees that function as
symbols for their local areas. So far, not enough has
been done to establish techniques or technology for
maintaining or improving the vitality of these trees inconsideration of their landscapes. This has made itnecessary to create guidelines for managing trees oflandscape importance.
Therefore, as a basic material for drawing up
management guidelines for trees of landscapeimportance, we have compiled a manual on techniquesof conservation for trees. The manual is mainly
designed for giant trees and old trees, in considerationof their landscapes.

growth, and explains the specific content of surveys
and diagnosis.
Chapter 4 is concerned with proposals ofconservation plans. As well as giving a commentary
on setting conservation targets and selectingconservation work, it also illustrates methods ofdrawing up conservation plans and other documents.
Chapter 5, the section on installation andmanagement, provides commentary on basic mattersto be borne in mind when carrying out work, andprecautions in each type of work involved inconservation. It also highlights the need to verify
effects after the conservation work, and explains
methods of doing this.
3. Publication
The “Conservation Manual for Trees of LandscapeImportance” has been published as NILIM Material
No. 565. We have also published a “Case Study
Collection of Conservation Measures for Giant Treesand Old Trees”, in which we compile past methods ofconservation measures for giant trees and old trees,
together with information on their subsequent
growth.
It is hoped that these publications will promote thedesignation of trees of landscape importance in future,and that precious trees that have been caringly
protected at local level will continue to be conservedin good condition in the future.
http://www.nilim.go.jp/lab/ddg/index.htm
image
Present state and Ecology Division) Targeted(Landscape

2. Outline of the “Conservation Manual for Trees ofLandscape Importance”
Chapter 1: Basic matters concerning trees oflandscape importance
As well as explaining the significance attached to treesof landscape importance in the Landscape Act, thischapter introduces the specific profile of these trees andexamples of designation. It also includes commentaries
Loss of leaf volumeon standards and aims applied when designating trees Diminishedleaf size
Leaf discolorationof landscape importance.
Chapter 2: Basic matters on conserving trees of
蚕の亀裂
landscape importanceThis chapter gives a commentary on the need forconservation and the targets of conserving trees oflandscape importance. It also explains ideal systems
Poor occlusion
when carrying out conservation and ways of using trees Broken branchesof landscape importance.
Chapters 3-5: Methods of tackling the conservationof trees of landscape importance
Damaged trunk
Cracked trunk
Chapter 3 gives information on surveys androtting
diagnosis. It highlights points of note in methods of SoilHollows,
compaction
surveying and diagnosing landscapes and the state of Loss of nutrients

Dead branches
pruned,leaves andbranches revived

Tree vigor restored
Withered branch ends

蚕の回復

蚕葉の再生

Peeling barkOcclusion ofhollowed androtten parts

Fungal growth
Holes
Fungal growth
Roots exposed
Installation of protective fence

Drawing showing problems with the present state

Revived bark

Revived roots
Drawing after problem points are improved

Application of Research Results(Key words) Trees of landscape importance, giant trees, landscapes, conservation measures, tree diagnosis,
maintenance & management