sustainable forestry

[ssato]

Just purchased a lot in Orchidland, but will not build for a few years.
I thought it would make sense to grow some trees that would increase in value over time, but also want to maintain a nice ecological balance.

Any recommendations out there on a mix of trees/plants I should consider?
The property has some Ohea trees which I plan to leave in place, otherwise not heavily wooded.

Recommendations or suggestions would be helpful.

[lquade]

i would consider jackfruit.. for the timber value.. it grows so fast and so straight up.i planted a 16inch tree and a year later it is way over my head and ram-rod straight. they use them for timber in other countries, why not here? what to do with all the fruit would be a question or remove buds before you end up with 75 lb jackfruit!

[Mitzi M]

If you are interested in something that will increase in value, then I would think about what plants will be the most valuable to you in the future - perhaps fruit trees or ornamental flowers that will certainly increase your property value, but more importantly, give you and your family pleasure. In my opinion the idea of "sustainable forestry" or growing timber for harvest simply doesn't make sense in Hawai'i, especially in Puna where we have very poor soils. It would take quite a while for any valuable timber wood to grow to maturity here, and then you would have to deal with the expense and hazard of felling and then milling a large tree near your house. Other options might be palms - to be harvested and sold for later landscape use (you could line your driveway with these and sell them in eight or ten years). The best way to have anything approaching an ecological balance here is to preserve the native plants already on your land and control the invasive alien species. Keeping the ohia is a great idea - its also good to learn to identify the weeds so that you can control them, and become familiar with what will run rampant - and not plant that... Also remember that weeds can overtake your plantings very rapidly here, so if you plant something and nobody is around to tend it then you may lose it to the weeds in a pretty short time. Good luck in your endeavors!

Mitzi

Uluhe Design
Native Landscape Design
uluhedesign@yahoo.com

[emorata]

If not increased value of trees, whatever you do to increasing curb appeal to your property adds even more value to your property. If you don't plan on being on the property for awhile, it might make sense to do whats sustainable on the property during your absense...check out the topic earlier about about what to grow on vacant land. Landscaping features like trees and shrubs in the right areas do more to accentuating properties....I would also plant alot more palms in orchid land, they can fend for themselves and add more visual interest to whats typical in the vacant properties around the subdivision, its nice to add a variety of different palms. I love the big monkeypod trees on my property, that is a beautiful trees and adds alot of shade factor. I think trees that also add seasonal color add more value and appeal to any property ie, shower trees, jacaranda, yellow cassias, tulip trees, poiciana, plumeria....although some of these trees might need a head start before they can fend for themselves unattended.

[emorata]

I forgot one of my favorite trees bauhinia, orchid trees...those are pretty hardy and can take care of themselves unattended and have beautiful orchid like flowers when in bloom.

noel

[ssato]

Thank you for the advice.
Also looked at the previous topic as suggested.
I don't live on the Big Island either, so need to think carefully before spending the time and effort.
I thought the Jackfruit idea was intereting, but since it does not appear to be native to the island, I think I will pass on that.
Sounds like the first order of business is to actually figure out what I have growing there, decide what to keep, then replace what I choose to remove with some native plants (when I know I can take care of them).

Thanks again friends!

Regards,
SSato