06-04-2007, 03:47 AM
puna_bound, it totally depends on the piece of property, where you need screening, how the light is, and a big one is whether there's any view to preserve. Biggest of all is what microclimate are you in?
The trick in Hawai'i is to find those plants that don't grow over 6 feet tall, because a lot of stuff will start out as a nice screen and then get too tall.
I like that chocolate is an essential food!
I don't typically plant food-bearing plants along the road because they pick up exhaust chemicals and get covered with dust. The chemicals are probably light on a rural Orchidland road, but I would think dust could be an issue. You need something tough.
for thick screens, I like areca palms. You can get small ones for 5-10. They take a few seasons to get to a good size. Eventually they get quite tall but are very stately.
I'm also a big fan of clumping bamboo varieties, but it would cost too much for a 3 acre property screen.
I look forward to hearing what people suggest for you.
If you have a natural screen in place, like ohia, I would certainly consider keeping it.
I know you want to do foodbearing plants, but you may find it's easier to keep those in an orchard and garden area.
The trick in Hawai'i is to find those plants that don't grow over 6 feet tall, because a lot of stuff will start out as a nice screen and then get too tall.
I like that chocolate is an essential food!
I don't typically plant food-bearing plants along the road because they pick up exhaust chemicals and get covered with dust. The chemicals are probably light on a rural Orchidland road, but I would think dust could be an issue. You need something tough.
for thick screens, I like areca palms. You can get small ones for 5-10. They take a few seasons to get to a good size. Eventually they get quite tall but are very stately.
I'm also a big fan of clumping bamboo varieties, but it would cost too much for a 3 acre property screen.
I look forward to hearing what people suggest for you.
If you have a natural screen in place, like ohia, I would certainly consider keeping it.
I know you want to do foodbearing plants, but you may find it's easier to keep those in an orchard and garden area.