Transforming Empty Lots into Living Forests: The Miyawaki Way
As urban infrastructure expands and cities grapple with rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, and degraded green spaces, an unconventional yet proven method of ecological restoration is quietly taking root around the world: Microforests. In his pioneering work, Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki, introduces the microforest as a dense, fast-growing, and highly biodiverse approach to reforestation. What began as a botanical experiment in Japan has grown into a global movement, reshaping how we think about nature in cities.
Creative Ecology: Restoration of Native Forests by Native Trees (1999), Dr. Miyawaki’s foundational paper, lays out the core principles of his revolutionary method: planting a variety of native species in carefully prepared soil, arranged in natural forest layers, to accelerate ecological succession. Unlike traditional plantations, which can take over a century to mature, microforests develop into self-sustaining ecosystems within just 20 to 30 years. His technique has been applied successfully across numerous sites worldwide, ranging from industrial zones to rural landscapes.
Fast forward to our modern urban, industrial society, and the method’s relevance becomes even more apparent. A report by Urban Forests Company, The Miyawaki Method – Data & Concepts, compiled global case studies and quantified the method’s benefits: cooler urban microclimates, improved air quality, increased biodiversity, and greater community engagement. Most of the modern challenges that were a direct result of removing native habitats can be mitigated by reintroducing and reincorporating these native habitats back into our communities. In an era of climate uncertainty, these compact forests act as ecological hubs, restoring biodiversity, and reinforcing public trust in nature-based solutions.
Versatile and adaptable by design, micro-forests can be implemented in a range of climates, like the dry landscapes of the Mediterranean. A 2011 study by Schirone, Salis, and Vessella put it to the test in Sardinia, Italy. Despite harsh summer droughts and poor soils, the researchers found that the Miyawaki method significantly outperformed conventional restoration efforts in both biodiversity and continued resilience.
The success of micro-forestry isn’t limited to academic research or large-scale projects. In fact, one of the method’s greatest strengths is its scalability. With the right planning, even small plots of land, schoolyards, backyards, corporate campuses, or vacant lots, can become thriving micro-forests.
How to Plant a Micro-Forest: A Step-by-Step Overview
Step 1: Choose the Right Site
The first step is site selection. It’s important to find a location that receives full sun and has at least one meter of plantable soil. Avoid areas like landfill caps or heavily compacted sites. You’ll also want to make sure the location has access to water, no underground utilities, and room for storing materials and saplings during installation. Ideal sites are easily accessible and offer visibility to maximize ecological and educational impact.
Step 2: Identify Native Species
Next, identify what species to plant. This begins by surveying a nearby native forest with similar conditions, matching factors like rainfall, slope, soil type, and altitude. Document the types of plants growing across the forest’s vertical structure: canopy trees, sub-trees, shrubs, and groundcover. A successful micro-forest includes species from each of these layers, as well as fringe plants like native grasses and forbs at the edges. Prioritize native species adapted to your specific region, and if collecting seeds isn’t possible, source appropriate nursery stock well in advance.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
With your species selected, it’s time to prepare the soil. Start by testing texture, nutrients, and pH, either with a home kit or by sending samples to a local extension office. Amendments like compost or manure provide nutrients, while organic materials like peat or straw improve water retention. The introduction of organic material will also stimulate microbial life in the soil, a necessary component of a healthy ecosystem. Once mixed and aerated, cover the prepared ground with a thick layer of mulch. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect beneficial microbes from sunlight.
Step 4: Plant Densely and Randomly
Planting should be done densely, typically with three to five seedlings per square meter. Mix species from different layers and scatter them in a natural, random pattern to mimic forest diversity. Seedlings should be at least a foot tall with signs of woody growth, and holes should be slightly larger than the root ball. Saturate the root ball with water and gently place each plant in its designated hole, backfill with soil and lightly compact. Avoid tight ties or anything that could constrain and damage the stem area. Once planted, water immediately simulates a full rainy day.
Step 5: Water, Mulch, and Monitor
Ongoing care is relatively simple. Watering should mimic the local climate, only water when soil moisture drops, and always check below the mulch layer before watering. Use hose heads that mimic rain and avoid excessively disturbing the mulch or seedlings. Weed manually for the first couple of years and refresh the mulch once or twice until the forest starts producing its own leaf litter. Avoid any pruning, chemicals, or fertilizers; this is a living system designed to sustain itself.
Step 6: Let Nature Take Over
Over time, the forest will begin to thrive on its own. Trees will shed leaves to build mulch, biodiversity will increase, and the need for active management will fade. Monitor growth by taking monthly photos from the same location and tracking survival rates and seedling heights. Some mortality is natural, aiming for around 90% survival, but don’t feel pressured to replace every plant, especially if one species is underperforming across the board.
A Living Classroom in Valdosta, Georgia
A recent example of this method in action took place in Valdosta, Georgia, where Tandem Global partnered with WM and the Valdosta Middle School STEM Academy to bring a microforest to life. Designed not only as a climate solution but also as a hands-on lesson, the 1,500-square-foot site now hosts over 600 native plants, transforming what was once Bermuda grass into a preliminary microforest. Over 90 middle school students participated in this collaborative planting. Supported by local staff and educators, the project emphasizes biodiversity, ecological function, and long-term stewardship. Species like crepe myrtle and white oak were carefully selected to support native wildlife, while the dense planting approach laid the foundation for a layered, self-sustaining forest.
This small but impactful site sits in a region prone to flooding and hurricanes, making the improved drainage, deep-rooted plants, and increased soil stability all the more impactful. As the forest matures, it will serve not just as green infrastructure but as an ongoing classroom, offering students the chance to monitor changes in biodiversity, understand ecological relationships, and witness firsthand how nature can reclaim and revitalize an urban space.
With several microforest projects planned through the rest of 2025, Tandem Global remains committed to applying the Miyawaki method, supporting the restoration and long-term preservation of native biodiversity across diverse landscapes.
Want to learn more about microforests? Check out our webinar: Forestry on a Smaller Scale: Your Guide to Planting Microforests
