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Does anyone have experience in planting koa trees? We have some clear space to fill. We are at about 3800', with a few acres. I've seen some seedlings advertised on craigslist, but no idea how to lay them out. For good planning, how far from the property line should they be, also how far from buildings, and even from each other? I guess some might not make it, so we could over-plant, but I also heard that it's illegal to cut one down if we need to thin out later, so want to plan appropriately. Also, how much soil is needed? How about other trees that we can get nice seedlings for, that will grow at the high elevation? Thanks
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ric, koa is a good choice if true koa and not what they call haole koa. (a leucaena that is cattle/sheep food) jay plants alot and what he has told me is that they need to be little seedlings when put out, if they get pot bound they never really recover. i think you will like them and they provide wonderful mulch also.
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The one's I see on C/L are between 18" and 3ft tall, and called acacia koa. I guess that's within the size you're referring to. So now I just need to figure out how many and how close, etc... to keep them manageable.
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Talk story at holeinursery@yahoo.com for some details on Koa.
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Don't plant within 100 ft. of any buildings. Koa sends out surface roots that are bigger than your leg, or waist, depending on it's age. And your age too. They can create a 200' dia. canopy in 20 years.
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I found this link very informative:
http://www.winrock.org/fnrm/factnet/fact...H/akoa.htm
This excerpt relates to what lquade posted: "Observations suggest that heart rot problems may be partially caused by root damage during transplanting. Therefore, establishment by direct seeding or encouragement of natural regeneration is recommended."
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
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You may want to check out the resources available for Acacia koa forestry... I do know that there has been grant money and tax benefits available for establishing koa lumber reserves... (do not know what the min. # of acres is, but do know profs at UHH who have lumber reserve lands)
