07-19-2008, 02:47 PM
For another perspective, we are also off island and have been planting gradually over the past two annual visits to our HPP lot. We first cleared, then dug holes and brought in soil and cinders for planting areas. Rozette's Nursery has been very helpful with a long-term plan and Ian did the actual planting by bringing the machinery to dig deep planting holes. We have the advantage of many good neighbors to help watch over things. We have planted a small orchard of about 16 trees, mostly citrus and avocado, also an allspice tree and a jackfruit. Consulting or hiring someone with local knowledge and qualifications was critical in our minds. Gardening in Vancouver, BC is completely different from Hawaii!
We have hired someone to maintain weed control; this is critical as others have stated. We left it to nature the first year and had invasive weeds and trees going for the good soil that surrounded the young plants, including a tree that grew over 12' in less than one year on what was a mostly-cleared lot! We did first rip (selectively) the property and then clear portions of the land by hand by removing the "junk trees" that were competing with the Ohias. Planting young trees (less expensive) in large, deep holes with good soil has proved successful so far. We also mulched to preserve moisture. Watering has seemed to be less of an issue than weed control; however, we are not as close to the ocean as you are and the drier climate may be a factor for you, particularly the first year or two. We spend about $600-$700 per year to keep the land tended.
The plants are thriving. We receive photos on occasion from our gardener. My advice is to plant selectively and pick foundation plants that are large enough to discourage theft. The orchard trees, on the other hand, averaged about $15 each and are on the small side. They needed good pruning and shaping after the first year to head them in the right direction. The major cost overall was in the preparation of the land and the soil, not the purchase of the plants. We thoroughly enjoy tending the plants when we are there and contnue to thin out the "scrub trees" that try to take over.
Another factor is how far off you are from building. In our case, it's about another 2 years or so. If building was 5 years+ away, I would agree that it is too much time to leave nature unattended - the land will close up again to take over what you have planted, particularly if you do not first start with a mostly-cleared area around the plants.
Good luck to you and happy planning and planting!
We have hired someone to maintain weed control; this is critical as others have stated. We left it to nature the first year and had invasive weeds and trees going for the good soil that surrounded the young plants, including a tree that grew over 12' in less than one year on what was a mostly-cleared lot! We did first rip (selectively) the property and then clear portions of the land by hand by removing the "junk trees" that were competing with the Ohias. Planting young trees (less expensive) in large, deep holes with good soil has proved successful so far. We also mulched to preserve moisture. Watering has seemed to be less of an issue than weed control; however, we are not as close to the ocean as you are and the drier climate may be a factor for you, particularly the first year or two. We spend about $600-$700 per year to keep the land tended.
The plants are thriving. We receive photos on occasion from our gardener. My advice is to plant selectively and pick foundation plants that are large enough to discourage theft. The orchard trees, on the other hand, averaged about $15 each and are on the small side. They needed good pruning and shaping after the first year to head them in the right direction. The major cost overall was in the preparation of the land and the soil, not the purchase of the plants. We thoroughly enjoy tending the plants when we are there and contnue to thin out the "scrub trees" that try to take over.
Another factor is how far off you are from building. In our case, it's about another 2 years or so. If building was 5 years+ away, I would agree that it is too much time to leave nature unattended - the land will close up again to take over what you have planted, particularly if you do not first start with a mostly-cleared area around the plants.
Good luck to you and happy planning and planting!