General Discussion

From the article:

"In Japan, when a tree is in the way of construction, they relocate it instead of cutting it down.

The technique is called Nemawashi, which translates to “laying the groundwork.” Workers carefully dig through the soil by hand to find the tree’s root system. The roots are wrapped and bound, then the tree is lifted using cranes, inflatable platforms, wooden rollers, and tracks. It’s lowered into a new trench that’s been cleared of stones and debris. The process can take over a year.

Nemawashi is rooted in Japan’s Shinto tradition, which considers nature sacred. Trees are believed to be occupied by kami, or spirits. Trees that reach 100 years old become resting places for kodama, tree spirits that inspire veneration. Cutting down one of these trees would harm the kodama, creating an angry spirit or releasing a curse. This is why Japan invests heavily in tree relocation rather than removal."