02-22-2010, 09:55 AM
My partner and I recently purchased several acres in the Glenwood area to pursue homesteading. We have very deep soil and little rock to deal with. There are lots of tall Ohia trees on the land, and much of it is being choked out by strawberry guava infestation. We would like to clear as much of the property as possible of the guava infestation while keeping the Ohia intact and healthy. We've brought in an excavator and a D9 to do some work, and though they may note show immediate damage to the trees, there is significant damage to some of the roots. I know that Ohia roots can be very shallow and that some smaller tractors/bulldozers can cause less damage, but I'm wondering on what others may have experienced in selective clearing? What is the effect on the trees over many years? Any other suggestions to tackle the guava?