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Landscape Architecture Frontiers

ISSN 2096-336X

ISSN 2095-5413 (Online)

CN 10-1105/TU

Postal Subscription Code 80-985

Landsc. Archit. Front.    2024, Vol. 12 Issue (3) : 98-101    https://doi.org/10.15302/J-LAF-1-050060
Hoozue: Indigenous Japanese Technique for Preservation of the Legacy Katsura Tree at Dumbarton Oaks
Ron HENDERSON(), Jonathan KAVALIER4
1. Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, College of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
2. The Alphawood Arboretum at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
3. LIRIO Landscape Architecture, Newport, RI 02840, USA
4. Gardens and Grounds, Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, Washington, D.C. 20007, USA
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Abstract

The katsura tree at Dumbarton Oaks is among the oldest of the species in North America and pre-dates the design of the garden. Japanese master gardener Kurato Fujimoto was commissioned to inspect and lead the construction and installation of a series of branch supports, known as "hoozue" in Japan, to rejuvenate this venerable tree that was in decline. The assessment of the tree included the inspection of the branch structure with a projection toward post-installation growth over the next several decades. Materials such as rope, bark fabric, nails (kasugai), and the wooden hoozue themselves were fabricated and installed with indigenous knowledge and experience, which were described in the text and drawings and documented in a series of photographic sequences. This article narrates the process of this preservation work, demonstrating the significance of this indigenous Japanese technique.

● It studies an indigenous Japanese arboriculture technique that has time-tested success yet may be different from accepted practices

● It describes an entire installation process of Hoozue, which preserves and rejuvenates the aging katsura tree at Dumbarton Oaks that is one of the oldest of the species in North America

● The preservation work offers a model for the study of emerging branches of arboricultural research, indigenous cultural practices, plant humanities, etc.

Keywords Hoozue      Branch Supports      Katsura Tree      Dumbarton Oaks      Indigenous Horticulture      Preservation      Horticulture     
Corresponding Author(s): Ron HENDERSON   
Issue Date: 28 June 2024
 Cite this article:   
Ron HENDERSON,Jonathan KAVALIER. Hoozue: Indigenous Japanese Technique for Preservation of the Legacy Katsura Tree at Dumbarton Oaks[J]. Landsc. Archit. Front., 2024, 12(3): 98-101.
 URL:  
https://academic.hep.com.cn/laf/EN/10.15302/J-LAF-1-050060
https://academic.hep.com.cn/laf/EN/Y2024/V12/I3/98
Fig.1  The katsura tree at Dumbarton Oaks, immediately prior to preservation work in 2023.
Fig.2  Berrall Survey excerpt showing a 20-inch tree which is assumed to be the katsura tree.
Fig.3  The project workbook is a folding orihon sketchbook with the inventory, drawings, specifications, and techniques for constructing and installing the hoozue.
Fig.4  Hoozue were positioned at the places where branches were damaged, where new sprouts anticipated longterm future growth (front left), where branches elbow had a shallow "seat" (top right), or where there was sharp upward growth from pruning (top left).
Fig.5  Hoozue design sketch, by Ron Henderson.
Fig.6  Field sketch locations for hoozue.
Fig.7  "Chibi" with otoko musubi, the finishing knot.
Fig.8  Hoisting a two-legged hoozue into place.
Fig.9  Sketch of lashing of hoozue to tree branch.
Fig.10  The katsura tree at Dumbarton Oaks, immediately after the preservation work.
Fig.11  Hoozue used in the preservation of Usuzumi-zakura in Motosu, Japan, shown in March 2012.
1 Farrand, B., & Kavalier, J. (Ed.). (2022). Beatrix Farrand's Plant Book for Dumbarton Oaks (p. 63). Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection.
2 Berrall, J. (1922). Topographical map of property belonging to Robert Woods Bliss, Esq., Washington, D.C. Dumbarton Oaks Garden Archives.
3 Friedl, J. (2024, February 20). Conversation with Ron Henderson.
4 Fujimoto, K., & Henderson, R. (Trans.). (2023). Katsura Orihon (Personal Inscription). Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection.
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