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+--- Thread: Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? (/showthread.php?tid=23297)
Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? - MarkD - 03-21-2024
The science of these great ferns is that evolved to sometimes fall, and then root again lying down, grow up to 10 or more feet and then fall again. Over the centuries one hapuu fern can "travel" 30 or more yards. (Some of the giant, centuries old hapuu at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Nature Walk are apparently rooted in super deep soil.)
Even though hapuu will grow if fallen, I need to keep some of my Volcano hapuu erect. I've been piling dirt around their bases, 2 or more feet of it. Some are leaning at a 45% angle. I used to just prop them up with a thick piece of guava, but gravity eventually wins here.
I'm also piling dirt around some stunted hapuu, 4 feet tall and old, growing in only 4-6 inches of soil (lava shelf underneath). On occasion you see a big hapuu growing in a place with minimal soil, but mostly they need a lot of dirt. Any one have any tips or observations on this subject? Mahalo.
RE: Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? - HereOnThePrimalEdge - 03-21-2024
Some of the one lane roads of Volcano Village have triangular braces with a notch cut into the top to hold the trunk, made of 2x4’s, placed at an angle under hapuu leaning toward/ into the road. It seems to work pretty well.
RE: Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? - MarkD - 03-22-2024
(03-21-2024, 11:55 PM)HereOnThePrimalEdge Wrote: Some of the one lane roads of Volcano Village have triangular braces with a notch cut into the top to hold the trunk, made of 2x4’s, placed at an angle under hapuu leaning toward/ into the road. It seems to work pretty well.Good idea. Thanks!
RE: Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? - HereOnThePrimalEdge - 03-22-2024
If I remember correctly, the corner of Kalani Honua Loop & Kalani Honua Road, across from the telephone pole Buddha has several.
RE: Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? - bgiles - 03-22-2024
Aloha! No sure what causes this, but the only one at my place on it's side was downed by pigs. If this is common, suggest some big chunks of pahoehoe around base. I was telling a friend the other day that upper Puna reminded me of Bagio (sp?) in the Philippines, but the tree ferns there seemed even taller....
RE: Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? - HereOnThePrimalEdge - 03-23-2024
Here’s a photo of the supports:
RE: Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? - Rob Tucker - 03-24-2024
I suggest digging a 12" hole about 12" deep, cutting off the Hapuu and resetting it in a vertical way.
RE: Anyone have info about preventing hapuu from toppling over? - Olohana 1790 - 10-12-2024
Mark, just steal Ira's rocks in the driveway and jack them all around ea. one....
fwiw they are supposed to fall over then regrow up, thats how they get strong enough at base to reach 25+ feet
ie in the gullies in HVNP, there are many over 25'
aroha