Working to Bring Mini Forests to Greater Cincinnati

Taking Root’s newest initiative in strengthening the area’s urban tree canopy is the planting of Miyawaki mini forests. The method is a newer concept to our region and complements our traditional reforestation program that we will continue to use.

What is the Miyawaki Method?

This method of urban reforestation was developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s but has only in the past couple decades spread dramatically to other countries. His approach involves planting native trees and shrubs in very small but dense stands that mimic a mature natural forest. Careful amending of the soil prior to planting, along with some minimal care and watering during the first three years, means these small forests can transform degraded and underused urban land into ecosystems that can help to heal the planet.

Plantings in Small Urban Spaces

“Mini” means what it says. These forests can be planted in an area as small as a few parking spaces. Because the trees are planted densely, not just individually, the interaction between the plants within the forest forms a natural, interdependent community. The result is a forest that is more stable and more resistant to stress, in which trees grow much more quickly, forming a mature forest in 15-40 years.

Benefits of Mini Forests

These tiny forests cool their surrounding area, filter pollution from the air, soak up stormwater during heavy downpours, and provide a rich habitat for local wildlife. The cost of preparation and planting is relatively low, and the extensive use of community volunteers is substantial.

Mini forests are not the only answer to the challenge of creating healthier urban forests. However, they can offer a small but significant way to increase the tree canopy that brings all the benefits of forests where they are needed most.

Taking Root plants the first Miyawaki Mini Forest in one of the lowest canopy areas in the Cincinnati region

View the video to learn more about this April 2026 planting in Camp Washington.

We will continue to update this webpage as our Mini Forest initiative progresses including:

• Read why Taking Root has added mini forests as one of many tools in our regional reforestation campaign.
• Volunteer opportunities
• Project Updates
• Resources
• Data collected

How Can You Be Involved?

We are looking for volunteers to help with a number of tasks as this initiative moves forward.

Subscribe to our email list to learn about the latest volunteer opportunities.

If you want to learn more about the mini forest method, pick up a copy of “Mini-Forest Revolution: Using the Miyawaki Method to Rapidly Rewild the World” by Hannah Lewis.