The goal of the “Production & Evaluation of Mid-to-Low Elevation Locally-grown Trees” project is to demonstrate that conifer species can be grown at mid-to-low elevations and identify the species and cultivars that produce acceptable Christmas trees – in pots and in the ground. Outplantings at different elevations is being done with collaborators. This project complements HFIA’s higher elevation Douglas fir plantings to help expand a fledgling local Christmas tree industry by identifying a variety of species to replace imported trees at different elevations. Leyland Cypress (xCupressocyparis leylandii), Norfolk or Cooke Island Pine (Araucaria sp.), Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) and Cypress species (Cupressus spp) are potential species. Our long-term goal is that this effort leads to reduced imported container stock; reduced alien species introductions; and reduced workload of State Agricultural inspectors.
Funders:
State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA)
US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Marketing Service
County of Hawai‘i Department of Research & Development
Terrance Spenser trees December 2020
Douglas Fir trees HARC B. November 2020
