Why We Plant Densely

Planting density is one of the most asked about processes of the Miyawaki method.

There are multiple benefits and reasons with just one being water. Mature multi strata forests create their own precipitation on top of annual rainfall — in a way they constantly recycle water through the system.

This is partly due to the cooling ambient effects of shade and photosynthesis that produces humidity and precipitation — particularly at the canopy layer.

The layers of a forest then cycle this cooler moist air as it naturally sinks down to the forest floor where it is absorbed. This doesn’t happen within single strata mono plantations where any cooler air and moisture tends to be blown away by the wind and lost.

So by planting densely with multi strata species we can quickly close the canopy and the young forests can start to produce their own moisture!