Big thanks to the enlightened city workers and department heads who have secured the future of this extraordinary tree branch in the most beautiful way imaginable. These traditional Japanese tree brace supports are called “hoozue,” the act of resting one’s chin on one’s hands. The Providence Preservation Society has just issued its biennial Preservation Awards List naming the famous Betsey Williams Sycamore as a Project of Special Significance. The American Sycamore (Palatanus occidentalis) is noted for its mottled, exfoliating bark and huge spreading form — this specimen is roughly 100′ tall and may be 240 years old. The PPS explains the project:
Having already undertaken an extensive restoration of the 18th century cottage, [former Providence City Forester] Doug Still and Superintendent of Parks Wendy Nilsson turned their attention to the sycamore tree. With Still’s longtime friend Ron Henderson, founder of the landscape architecture firm LIRIO, as their collaborator, the Parks Department brought over master Japanese gardener Fujimoto Kurato to learn about indigenous Japanese techniques for tree conservation. The workshop was a 48 hour whirlwind. Before Master Fujimoto even arrived in the States, Still and his fellow Parks employees harvested wood from black locust trees elsewhere in Roger Williams Park — sometimes considered a weed — to use in the construction of the “hoozue,” or supports to go under the target branch.
And it looks like the park’s trees will all benefit from Master Fujimoto’s expertise:
When Master Fujimoto arrived, he instructed everyone who works on the ground in Roger Williams how to construct and maintain the supports, so they could continue to apply the techniques after he left.
I love the little saddle blanket . . . and the staples.
Betsey Williams Cottage, RWP, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, (directions)
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There are two supports; the taller, single-post brace is closer in to the trunk. It is not easy taking clear photographs on a sunny day . . . everything is twigs and mottles and shadows. Wait for it to be overcast. Also, wait for snow.
These spectacular sycamores fell out of favor in the landscape due the unappealing symptoms of sycamore anthracnose. The London Plane tree is a descendant of the sycamore and has the same mottled bark. They don’t have the anthracnose problem and are widely planted.
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Nice video at the PPS Instagram.