Tree Care in Tokyo
Tree pruning in Tokyo
Pruning that keeps a tree healthy and in proportion with its space — not just shorter.
What I do
- Thinning — removing whole branches at the fork so light and air reach the inside of the crown, while the tree keeps its natural outline. In Japan this is called sukashi.
- Size reduction for trees that have outgrown a small garden, a balcony or a boundary, done gradually where possible so the tree does not answer with a mass of new shoots.
- Clearance from roofs, gutters, power lines, windows and neighbouring property.
- Removing dead, broken or crossing branches, including work high in the crown by climbing.
- Typhoon preparation — lightening heavy, exposed crowns before the typhoon season. Why one heavy cut can backfire.
When to prune in Tokyo
Most deciduous trees are best pruned in winter, when they are bare. Evergreen broadleaf trees are usually pruned in spring or early autumn. Pines have their own calendar. Before the typhoon season, from early summer, is the time to deal with heavy or weak branches. If you are not sure, send a photo and I will tell you when your tree should be done.
How I cut
Every cut is a wound the tree has to seal, so I make as few as possible and place them where the tree can close them. How trees seal wounds after pruning. I explain before starting which branches will go and why, so there are no surprises when you look up afterwards.
Camellias and sasanquas
These popular Tokyo garden shrubs often host camellia caterpillars, whose hairs cause a painful rash. If you have seen them, mention it in your message — thinning and timing help, and the work is done with protective clothing.