Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is a micro-forest?
Micro-forests (also called pocket forests, mini forests, and tiny forests) are densely-planted and multilayered groupings of native trees and shrubs planted in small urban spaces which act as self-sustaining ecosystems that reconnect fragmented habitat and restore biodiversity in the city.
What is a native plant?
Native or indigenous plants are plants which have existed in a given region for thousands (sometimes millions) of years and which are an integral part of the natural balance of the ecosystem where they are located. These plants are not recent introductions to a region, but rather plants which have co-evolved with numerous other species over a long period of time, forming intimate and sometimes mutualistic relationships with local biodiversity.
In the United States, we generally refer to plants as “native” or “indigenous” if they existed in the area prior to European contact. While nature is never static and native ecosystems all over the world do shift and evolve (especially during periods of pronounced climate crises) for the purposes of this website, we refer to native or indigenous plants as plants which which have a long-standing history in the region over thousands of years, are still capable of thriving in the region under current local climatic conditions, and which serve as a valuable source of habitat for native animals.
Are micro-forests the same in every part of the world?
Ideally, micro-forests are modeled after the forest and woodland types that naturally exist in any given region. As such, the plant species should be customized based on the region where a micro-forest is being planted, and plant densities and ratios of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation layers should be modified to best approximate the composition of plants found in nature, albeit slightly denser and with maximized diversity.
What is the Miyawaki Method of Afforestation?
The Miyawaki Method is a rapid forest creation method pioneered by Japanese botanist and ecologist, Akira Miyawaki. It involves the high density planting of tree and shrub saplings representing 4 distinct forest layers which he observed in remnant native forests of Japan (canopy trees, trees, sub-trees, and shrubs). Each sapling is planted approximately 1-1.5 feet apart from one another. This methodology is reputed to yield a very fast-growing forest ecosystem which reaches maturity faster than a natural forest, but ongoing studies are still being done to learn about their long-term efficacy outside of Japan.
Is a micro-forest the same as a Miyawaki Forest?
While some people equate micro-forests with Miyawaki Forests, the micro-forest strategy shared on this website is a more flexible and adaptable approach to ecological restoration than the Miyawaki Method. While definitely inspired by the Miyawaki Method, it has been modified and adapted to be a better approximation of the structure, function, and aesthetic of our native woodland ecosystems rather than a one-size-fits-all formula. Notable ways in which micro-forests as described in this website deviate from the Miyawaki Method are changes in planting densities to accommodate the wider growth habits of our region’s plants, a higher ratio of shrubs to trees, and a lighter touch and less disturbance in terms of soil preparation strategies.
Is the micro-forest a one-size-fits-all solution for all our ecological problems?
Micro-forests are amazing, and pack so many great ecological benefits into a small space (namely carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, soil revitalization, heat mitigation, and urban ecological education). That said, they are just one tool in a large toolbox of solutions and strategies we must employ to combat the ecological challenges of our world and shouldn’t be considered a panacea for all the world’s ills.
Why are these called “micro-forests?” We don’t technically have “forests” in Los Angeles.
The term “micro-forest” is being used to describe a multi-layered, densely-vegetated ecosystem with native plants and trees whose canopies at maturity will provide more than 10% canopy cover in a given area. The equivalent natural plant community fitting this description in Los Angeles is an oak woodland, a walnut woodland, a riparian woodland, or even in some cases, chaparral environments. Our local woodlands serve similar ecosystem functions as other forests worldwide, despite only minor differences in growth habits (for instance, slower growth rates and multitrunked growth habits for certain species, compared to faster-growing, more linear tree species in other regions). The addition of “micro” in the name merely signifies the ability for these ecosystems to fit into smaller spaces (from 200 square feet to one acre), and to be applied in urban areas which are otherwise not conventionally considered “forest lands” per US Forest Service definitions.
Most importantly, however, “micro-forest” terminology has repeatedly been demonstrated to be more captivating and intuitively grasped by the general public than the more technical jargon used by ecologists, scientists, and other experts to describe more specific native plant communities. We consciously choose to use this more universally-understood and flexible terminology to increase the accessibility of these kinds of ecological landscapes for audiences typically not reached by more specialized language.
That said, we frequently use micro-forest projects as a gateway of discovery for people to learn more about native woodlands and other valuable plant communities in the region. We welcome anyone to use terminology such as “micro-oak woodland,” “pocket woodland,” “micro-habitat,” “tiny ecosystem,” or any other terms which capture the essence of what we’re trying to achieve with these installations. The language is merely a preliminary tool to expand reach and capture interest, but the outcome is always one which aims to produce a thoughtful and successful revitalization of our local ecosystem which respects the uniqueness of our plants, soils, animals, climate, and people.
How are micro-forests different from habitat restoration?
Micro-forests are essentially the same as habitat restoration. In fact, one could call a micro-forest a “habitat restoration on steroids.” The only thing that might differentiate micro-forests from conventional habitat restoration approaches is that micro-forests will always contain multiple layers of vegetation types within the same installation (trees, large shrubs, small shrubs, and grasses + forbs). They also contain species representative of multiple phases of ecological succession (pioneers, secondary, intermediary, and climax) so that each group of plants helps create the conditions favorable to the next stage without having to plant successive phases of the restoration later on. It’s an efficient “one-and-done” strategy that enables the quick establishment of the habitat so that the individual or group doing the planting can move onto another project quickly without years and years of additional planting or maintenance. In addition, the plants in a micro-forest are planted very densely to create habitat rapidly and suppress weeds more successfully. This last feature is common of some conventional habitat restoration strategies, but not often in habitat restorations that primarily focus on tree planting alone without the companion planting of other vegetation types.
Service Questions
Can I get help with a micro-forest project?
Certainly! Check out our Plant a Forest page for more information on both our free and paid micro-forest assistance services.
What free resources do you offer for people wanting to plant a micro-forest?
For people who live in Los Angeles, we have a free planting guide that will walk you through the entire process of planting a micro-forest, including selecting your site, choosing your plant species, placing your plants, planting, and establishment care. We also in the process of creating free video guides/workshops for the public to access. If you reside outside of Los Angeles, many of the free resources are still applicable to you, but some of them, such as the Plant Calculator are LA-specific, so adjustments to the plant palette would need to be made in order for it to be appropriate for your region.
What kinds of paid online services do you offer?
For sites that would benefit from more nuanced guidance that cannot be provided through the free resources, or for sites within California which are outside the LA region wanting a regional variation to the existing guide, we offer custom micro-forest design guides ($150) that we would generate for you and send you in a PDF format after you submit responses to an online questionnaire about your specific project and site conditions.
Can you help me design a micro-forest, even if I don’t live in Los Angeles?
We can definitely help you design a micro-forest if you live in other parts of California. Many of our free resources are applicable throughout California, though your plant palette would need customization. You can either attempt this customization by doing your own native plant research on free resources such as Calscape, or you can pay for this customization through our custom design help service we offer here.
Do you provide in-person consultation?
Yes, we provide in-person site visits/consultation for $300 for project sites in the LA region. Site visits usually last 2 hours. Contact us to request a site visit.
Do you provide funding for micro-forest projects?
At this time, we do not have surplus funds to support other projects.
Can I fund a micro-forest project for you?
Can I use content from your website for private use?
Yes, absolutely!
Can I use content from your website for social or educational purposes?
Yes. If you share, copy, or remix images or other content from this site, whether in presentations, social media, in another website, or in any other format, you must give credit to its creator and abide by all other conditions outlined in the Creative Commons License Agreement.
Can I use content from your website for commercial purposes?
Yes. If you share, copy, or remix images or other content from this site, whether in presentations, social media, in another website, or in any other format for commercial or other purposes, you must give credit to its creator and abide by the conditions outlined in the Creative Commons License Agreement.
Technical/Horticultural Questions
Are your planting ratios consistent with the Miyawaki Method?
No. The Miyawaki Method was developed in a climate with relatively abundant rainfall. Due to our harsher and drier climate, the native plant communities of the LA region evolved differently from trees and plants in temperate, sub-tropical, or tropical forests.
The adaptations made to the Miyawaki Method in the process of creating this website on “micro-forests” have taken into account that the native plant life of the LA region is adapted to surviving without rain for most of the year, is largely shrub-dominated rather than tree-dominated, and has lower tree diversity than many of the other areas worldwide where this method is being utilized. Furthermore, special considerations related to landscaping with the threats of wildfire can and should impact planting strategies, something which the Miyawaki Method does not take into consideration.
Are micro-forests appropriate choices in drought-prone areas?
As long as the plant species in the micro-forest are appropriate to the region, meaning that they are capable of surviving on rainfall alone after establishment, a micro-forest is an appropriate choice.
If I’m not allowed to plant trees, can I still plant a micro-forest?
While a micro-forest requires the planting of trees, you can certainly still plant a very valuable habitat of large shrubs, small shrubs, forbs, and grasses. If you’d like a custom design guide for your specific project needs, consider taking advantage of the Custom Design Guide service. You can indicate your specific site constraints in the required questionnaire and your recommendations will be tailored to your unique needs. Alternatively, you can move forward with the existing free guide on this website, and simply omit the tree species from your final design.
When is the best season to plant a micro-forest?
The easiest time to plant is during the cooler, wetter months. The most difficult time to plant is in the summer or early fall when the weather is still hot and the soil has been dry the longest. In areas of winter frost, springtime planting is ideal. In areas without winter frost, either late fall, winter, or spring are lovely times to get plants in the ground. Just keep in mind that plants will grow more quickly planted in late winter or early spring, and will appear to have a slower start if planted in the late fall.
Can I plant a micro-forest in a parkway?
Unmodified micro-forests are not recommended for the parkway, though some of the lower growing species might be permitted under certain situations, as well as some of the tree species. For more information about what is and isn’t permitted in the parkway, go here. If you’d like to request a custom design guide for a parkway installation, go here.
I live in a high-fire-severity zone. Can I still plant a micro-forest?
A micro-forest will need to be modified to comply with brush clearance requirements for structures in high-fire-severity zones. Firewise modifications to the micro-forest would include:
Trees and large shrubs restricted to ember-resistant species
Trees and large shrubs reduced in density so as to have more space between them
Dense understory of grasses and forbs would be restricted to species which can be mowed to the ground annually to comply with brush clearance requirements
If you are interested in a firewise custom design guide specific to your site, consider our custom design guidance service.