Possibilities in Disaster Prevention Facilities Utilizing Tree Groves

From a standpoint of environmental protection, methods have been developed recently for leaving existing trees when reinforcing slopes and for construction where a long-term slope stabilizing effect of tree roots can be expected. However, the mechanism of the slope stabilizing effect of tree roots has not been fully clarified, and the authors have few examples of quantitative assessment of the reinforcing effect. Trees planted and grown on slopes also show promise as ecologically considerate disaster prevention facilities that replace windbreak fences, but quantitative assessment of their effect has not yet been done. In this article, the authors will introduce possibilities in disaster prevention facilities utilizing tree groves.