Hurricane season is officially here.
When it comes to hurricanes, to paraphrase an old adage, June is too soon, July standby, August a must, September remember, then remember again October and November because it is not finished until December!
We have been very fortunate in Hawaii to have been free of storms so far this year, but not so for the mainland United States. Floods and tornadoes have devastated large areas.
And it looks like a stormy season for us according to weather forecasters.
What we learned from storms such as hurricanes Harvey and Irma is that the major damage done from actual winds was to trees such as lychee, macadamia, mahogany and other broadleaved trees. On the other hand, palms such as coconut, royal, cabbage, Mexican fan, Pritchardia and scores of others survived the storm winds.
Many will tolerate flooding with little damage as well. If the soil was so soggy that the palms tipped over, they were easy to replant and recover.
Since there are thousands of species, the question is which palms can be used to create your tropical landscape with a minimum of storm damage and care? The Hawaii Island Palm Society is available to help answer that question.
When it comes to trees other than palms, remember they are important elements of parks, streets and home gardens.
Do not forget that they supply oxygen, sequester carbon and in general help to minimize the negative effects of global climate change. However, they do require proper maintenance to ensure they make it through stormy weather.
It is always important to inspect your trees for dead branches that seem to be ready to fall. A gust of wind can snap an arm-size branch from a tree and send it at missile speed through a picture window.
A low hanging branch over a roof can wreak havoc. Powerful winds can turn the limb into a tool of destruction. This tool can remove shingles as easily as scales from a fish. Removing dead and out of place limbs is a good idea even if there is no storm.
Fan-like fungus growing on the side of a tree trunk indicates rotten spots that need attention. A hole made by poor pruning, damage from earlier storms or the gouge of an auto bumper can start rotten spots.
Remove decayed trees that are too weak to hold up under the strain of a storm. This action will save you grief later.
Actually, even a 100 mile an hour wind is not as dangerous as it sounds if necessary measures are taken before the wind reaches gale force.
If your home is located in an area that might be flooded, you’ll be given ample notice to evacuate hours before the storm reaches your area. Otherwise, there is no safer place than in a well-built home.
As soon as the storm passes it is a good idea to inspect the trees and other plants around the house. Usually all the plants will show signs of wind damage. With a little trimming, propping, resettling of root systems, fertilizing and watering, nearly all plants that were shaken loose from the ground can be salvaged.
After hurricane season, it is a good idea to consider root pruning as a way to manage those larger trees. If in doubt about what to do, you can contact a local certified arborist to assess the situation and correct it.
Many of our tropical trees grow rampant with extensive root systems. That is why we prune to keep them from getting out of hand, but let’s prune the right way. Late spring and summer are not the best times for heavy pruning since shade is at a premium during those hot days ahead. Fall is a good time, as the days are getting shorter and the sun’s rays less intense.
In conclusion, remember that trees are vital to making urban life healthier for us physically, mentally and even spiritually. Forest fires, storms and drought are destroying our forests on a global scale. On the other hand, every time we plant a tree, we help minimize the effects of global warming.
According to Joan Gossett, secretary of the East Hawaii Outdoor Circle, the group is working with the county to protect special trees such as those on Banyan Drive in Hilo. It also is having a big plant giveaway Saturday, June 29, at Hoolulu Park across from the civic center. More information about the giveaway will be covered in a column later this month.
So enjoy those beautiful trees in your garden by maintaining them correctly. On a grander scale, work with the county and state to plant more trees in parks, roads and highways. We depend on the tourist industry. Visitors to our islands as well as residents appreciate our beautiful landscapes. Without trees, this would just be another barren desert island.
For more information about trees and their care, contact the UH Master Gardener Helpline in Kona at 322-4892 or 981-5199 in Hilo.