Peaceful Hurricane Season: Minimal Activity Detected
In the beautiful Hawaiian islands, crafting a tropical landscape that withstands local storms and requires minimal maintenance is a priority for many homeowners. Here's a guide to help you create a resilient and attractive landscape.
## Recommended Palm Tree Species
1. King Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana): Known for its vibrant lime-green crown shaft, King Palms are popular for their aesthetic appeal and can withstand tropical conditions well.
2. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): Although not a true palm, Ponytail Palms are drought-tolerant and can add a whimsical touch to your landscape.
3. Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata): Versatile and elegant, Foxtail Palms are ideal for creating a lush tropical atmosphere.
4. Hawaiian Fan Palm (Pritchardia spp.): Native to Hawaii, these palms are naturally adapted to local conditions, including storms, and require minimal maintenance.
5. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis): While often used indoors, Majesty Palms can thrive outdoors in Hawaii if properly cared for, offering a majestic appearance to landscapes.
## Considerations for Minimal Storm Damage
Choosing native Hawaiian palms like the Hawaiian Fan Palm can help ensure resilience against local storms. Palms with deeper root systems, such as mature Foxtail Palms, are more resistant to strong winds. Regularly pruning palms to prevent damage from broken branches is also crucial.
## Low Maintenance Tips
Most palms are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base of palms to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and annual fertilization to maintain health and vigor, are also recommended.
## Preparing for Storm Season
The old adage that hurricane season starts in August is no longer accurate due to global warming, as the season has been extended through November. It is important to inspect trees for dead branches that seem ready to fall, as a gust of wind can send them through a picture window or damage a roof. Decayed trees that are too weak to hold up under the strain of a storm should be removed to prevent future damage.
Fan-like fungus growing on a tree trunk indicates rotten spots that need attention. Low-hanging branches over a roof can wreak havoc during storms and should be removed. Contact a local certified arborist for tree assessment and correction if unsure about what to do.
Major damage from hurricanes is often done to broad-leaved trees like lychee and macadamia, but palms like coconut and pritchardia species tend to survive storm winds and flooding.
## After the Storm
Inspect trees and plants around the house after a storm, and potentially trim, prop, resettle, fertilize, and water them to salvage them. Trees, including palms, are important for supplying oxygen, sequestering carbon, and helping to minimize the negative effects of global climate change. They are also essential for urban life, improving physical, mental, and spiritual health.
This year, forecasters are expecting a very active Atlantic storm season. Pruning should be done in late fall when days are shorter and sun's rays are less intense to keep tropical trees under control.
For more information on tree selection and care, contact the University of Hawaii Master Gardener help line. The Hawaii Island Palm Society can help answer questions about which palms are best for creating a tropical landscape with minimal storm damage and care. Root-pruning is recommended for managing larger trees after hurricane season.
Professor Norman Bezona, professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, emphasizes the importance of proper tree care in the face of climate change and storm season. By following these guidelines, you can create a beautiful and resilient tropical landscape in Hawaii.
- Choosing native Hawaiian palms like the Hawaiian Fan Palm, known for their resilience against local storms, can help ensure a beautiful and durable landscape.
- Mature Foxtail Palms, with their deep root systems, are more resistant to strong winds and can withstand tropical conditions well, making them ideal for a tropical landscape.
- For minimal maintenance, regular watering and annual fertilization are recommended to maintain the health and vigor of your tropical plants, including palms and other species.
- As global climate change extends the hurricane season through November, it's crucial to inspect trees for dead branches and decay, andremove weak trees to prevent future damage during storms.
