Optimizing species selection for the structural timbers of traditional farmhouses in a snowy rural area of northeastern Japan

Vernacular houses constructed using local woods contain information about forest-resource use. To clarify how timber was used to construct wooden farmhouses, we identified the species composition of 11 built between 1845 and 1940 in Tadami, a snowy rural area northeastern Japan, interviewed 70 residents. We recorded 2004 parts (99–308 per house) 171.2 m3 (1828 parts) known (14 taxa). Cryptomeria japonica (cedar) Pinus parviflora var. pentaphylla (white pine) were for all essential structural accounted 44% 39% total volume, respectively. Fagus crenata (beech) third most commonly (7%), roof supports, beams, girders. The interviews revealed that typically sourced from private or common woodlands within 1 km craftsmen selected hauled trees. Considering region's unique complex vegetation, as land-cover distribution is strongly influenced by frequent avalanches, likely managed stands tall trees, available would have been cedar (although whether native planted unknown), followed white pine on mountain ridges around settlements. In comparison, beech could supply sufficient amounts might limited. Based characteristics trees house conclude despite surrounding harsh, conditions, locally historically timbers.