GreenGreenery

Conserving the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees

Approaches to Preserve the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees
Remedial Measures for Some Trees in the Four Rows of Gingko Trees

Overall Greenery Plan

Envisaged Change in the Trees
Preservation and Creation of Greenery
For Everyone to Enjoy Greenery

Point Two key points in the preservation and creation of greenery.

The Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees will be protected.

The ratio of greenery will beincreased from current levels.

*Based on aerial photographs, this ratio was calculated by having the projected area of trees divided by a total sum of the areas within the envisaged development zone in the district. The projected area put into calculation is only the one that is located within the residential area.

Conserving the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees

How to save Approaches to Preserve the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees

01Approaches to handle at the research stage

The situation in the area around the Rows of Ginkgo Trees.

A conceptual image of tree research (Mesh placed for the tree root research)

Research Methods: Under this project, underground structure is planned to be built 8 meters away from the curb. However, in order to reflect this specification in the execution plan, including the stock yard, a cross-sectional investigation will be carried out about 6.5 meters away from the curb. (The current circumstances around the Row of Ginkgo Trees are as seen in this photo).
Research Findings & Response: If the research finds that there are a multiple number of tree roots that may adversely affect the sound growth of the ginkgo trees, we will figure out a better way in the building plan to avoid such tree roots, by taking into account tree doctors’ opinions, thus preserving the trees.

02Approaches to handle at the design stage

Proposals under consideration — Proposals under
consideration

Response to be Considered in Designing

As to the foundation beams facing the row of ginkgo trees, “flattening” of the beams and other measures will be carried out to limit the excavation area, thus reducing the impact of the envisaged facility on the root system.
Measures such as the precasting of the foundation beams and the utilization of the existing piles will also be considered as ways to reduce on-site construction work, thus further mitigating the impact on the root system.
For the pavement over the "root protection zone" for ginkgo trees, such methods as a “floating floor method" will be adopted to secure the area of protected root systems as much as possible and in consideration of the root growth.

03Ways to handle at the execution stage

施工イメージ — [A conceptual image of execution] The execution of work around the root system of the ginkgo trees will be performed carefully, by hand work, for instance, and with the presence of a tree doctor.

Response to be Considered in Execution of Work

In executing the work, appropriate measures will be taken with the presence of a tree doctor and so forth, and under their guidance.
Water-permeable, root-protecting sheet, etc., will be placed in and around the execution area.
As to the soil that is used to backfill the excavated site, we will consider using improved soil, such as bark compost, to promote the growth of the root system.
After the backfilling, frequent watering will be carried out.
By specifying the area where the roots are confirmed lying below, extra care will be taken so that no heavy machinery will be placed over them, thus lessening the burden on the roots.

Recovery measures Remedial Measures for Some Trees in the Four Rows of Gingko Trees

The inner two rows of the Four Rows of Gingko Trees are owned and managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the outer two rows are owned and managed by Meiji Jingu. In this section, we look at Meiji Jingu’s current tree management measures and future measures to preserve the trees.

01Measures to date

In the course of engaging in daily management since November 2019, some trees among the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees were found to have been shedding their leaves earlier than other gingko trees. For this reason, soil improvement and fertilization measures were implemented based on advice from tree doctors and other experts.
In 2023, the following measures were implemented for some ginkgo trees on the west side as part of daily management by Meiji Jingu.
①Removal of hedera (ivy) and other plants around the ginkgo trees
②Spraying liquid fertilizer around the ginkgo trees
③Irrigating around the ginkgo trees

*Demolition of Jingu No. 2 Stadium began in March 2023, but no work has been conducted around the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees, so changes in the vitality of some of the ginkgo trees are not attributable to the project.

02Future measures to preserve the trees

The ginkgo trees in all rows are budding this year as usual.
From April 2024, the following measures are being progressively implemented after consultation with tree doctors and other experts.
①Removal of hedera, etc.
To promote water absorption by the ginkgo roots, hedera (ivy) and other plants around one row of ginkgos on the west side will be removed by hand.
②Soil environment remedial work, etc.
Soil survey results have indicated that some of the soil around the trees is in a compacted state. To address this, remedial work and fertilization will be carried out around the roots of one row of ginkgo trees on the west side. Water pressure or air pressure will be used to loosen the soil without damaging the tree roots and irrigation will be performed as needed.
In addition, preservation efforts are to be successively implemented upon having carefully considered measures in consultation with experts, tree doctors and others.

Preservation site after removal of hedera and other such vegetation

Overall Greenery Plan

Envisaged Change in the Trees

*1 The sites for transplantation are being considered in detail.
*2 Includes 19 trees that are considered to be transplanted.
*3 The number of trees that are at least 3 meters tall.
*This website provides information about the Jingu Gaien district, including the planned development in front of the Gallery. Please note that the development of the area in front of the Gallery is not subject to the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.

Maintenance and Creation Preservation and Creation of Greenery

Preservation of the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees

Preserving the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees and the iconic view of the Gallery seen in from the trees for the benefits of future generations.

Restoration of the Plaza in front of the Gallery

With new rows of trees to be planted in line at the symbolic 2.5-ha square in front of the Gallery, a new plaza will be developed.

Creation of a New Central Plaza

Developing a central plaza between the baseball stadium-- which is annexed with a hotel—and the rugby stadium, thus contributing to an increase in open spaces.

New Woodland

Transplanting existing trees and planting new trees in the neighboring area will create a new woodland that will pair with the wooded area surrounding the iconic hackberry tree, “Gokambei Enoki.”

Green Walkway

Developing a path that is rich with green and will run through the district north to south (to be completed in 2028 or later), thus helping people move around with relative ease in the district.

To enjoy the green For Everyone to Enjoy Greenery

Our efforts to encourage involvement in creating and enjoying the new greenery of Jingu Gaien District include plans to hold events enlisting community involvement as well as implementation of the Reiwa Tree Donation Program, which involves collecting donations from the public for the development of new green spaces.

Click here for more details
About the event
About the Reiwa Tree Donation Program

To Q&A regarding greenery

Refer to the Documents List page of the website for further information and data.

To Documents List

Potential tree species in respective areas
Survey data on existing trees
Considerations for tree management
Assessment council documents

*The perspectives and illustrations in this website are conceptual images of the completed project drawn at the planning stage, and are subject to change.