ADOPT A TREE
Hawaii
Great for Memorials, New Babies, Weddings, Birthdays & Environmental Gifts
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my tree be planted?
Your tree will be planted in the native Hawaiian forest at Ahu Lani Sanctuary. Some trees are planted within existing forest in areas that need more trees. Others are planted in pasture areas that we are converting back to native Hawaiian forest. In all cases, the exact location is selected by our senior horticulturist who will determine how your tree can best "fit in" to the existing forest environment. See the entire planting process here (opens new page).
View facing Mauka, ortowards the mountain
View facing Makae, or
towards the ocean
Click for larger image
Where is Ahu Lani Sanctuary located? Ahu Lani Sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. We are located at 3000' elevation in the district of Hamakua, which is north of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island.
What size will my tree be when it is planted?
Upon planting, your tree will be a seedling ranging in height from 9 to 36 inches. Most trees are grown from seed at Ahu Lani Sanctuary in one of our native Hawaiian plant greenhouses.
Koa seedling
Greenhouse at Ahu Lani
Can I gift a tree to somebody else?
Yes. Adopt-A-Tree's are great for gifts, memorials, and to mark special events like weddings and births. You can tell us who you'd like to adopt a tree for, and include a special message from you on the Adoption Certificate.
Yes. Adopt-A-Tree's are great for gifts, memorials, and to mark special events like weddings and births. You can tell us who you'd like to adopt a tree for, and include a special message from you on the Adoption Certificate.
After placing my order to adopt a tree, how will I know when the tree is planted?
You or your recipient will receive, in the mail, the Certificate of Adoption showing your adopted tree on the day it was planted. In some cases, your tree may have been planted before your order, as trees are sometimes planted in batches.
Can I have a sign at the base of my tree as a memorial?
Yes. You can purchase a special long-lasting sign for your tree, like the ones used in botanical gardens. See the order page for more information.
Yes. You can purchase a special long-lasting sign for your tree, like the ones used in botanical gardens. See the order page for more information.
Some Actual Signs
How do I know that the tree in the photos is mine?
We keep a detailed database of all plantings, photos, GPS locations of trees, adoptive parents, etc. In addition, we tag each tree so that we can positively identify it. If desired, you can visit your tree in person on the Big Island (see below).
We keep a detailed database of all plantings, photos, GPS locations of trees, adoptive parents, etc. In addition, we tag each tree so that we can positively identify it. If desired, you can visit your tree in person on the Big Island (see below).
What does the money I pay go towards when I adopt a tree?
Your tree adoption fee is used to pay for the collection of koa seeds, their germination and planting and raising in our greenhouse, their out-planting in the native forest, their care through the years, the creation and mailing of your adoption certificate (suitable for framing!), and other costs associated with keeping your adopted tree safe and cared for. See the entire planting process here (opens new page).
Your tree adoption fee is used to pay for the collection of koa seeds, their germination and planting and raising in our greenhouse, their out-planting in the native forest, their care through the years, the creation and mailing of your adoption certificate (suitable for framing!), and other costs associated with keeping your adopted tree safe and cared for. See the entire planting process here (opens new page).
How is my tree protected from damage by cattle, pigs and other animals?
Ahu Lani Sanctuary is completely fenced. Our fence is pig-proof. It has a special "skirt" or "apron" of hog wire on the bottom which is staked to the ground on the outside of the fence. This prevents pigs from digging under the fence and getting to our native forest plants. This design also makes our fence dog-proof. Cattle and horses are kept out as well as the fence has barbed wire on the top. Since our fence was completed, no invasive animals have entered the property.
Ahu Lani Sanctuary is completely fenced. Our fence is pig-proof. It has a special "skirt" or "apron" of hog wire on the bottom which is staked to the ground on the outside of the fence. This prevents pigs from digging under the fence and getting to our native forest plants. This design also makes our fence dog-proof. Cattle and horses are kept out as well as the fence has barbed wire on the top. Since our fence was completed, no invasive animals have entered the property.
Pig-proof fence
Pigs unable to get past fence
How is my tree cared for to assure that it remains healthy?
Young trees are watched carefully for their first two years of life. We mulch young trees (which adds nutrients to the soil), weed around them so they don't get choked out by grass or weed, and water them if they need it. As trees grow larger, they are better able to "fend for themselves". We monitor them for disease and for interference from other trees (intruding branches, etc). We may also do minor "surgery" on your tree if, for example, a branch becomes damaged and the damaged area could cause disease to enter the main part of the tree.
Young trees are watched carefully for their first two years of life. We mulch young trees (which adds nutrients to the soil), weed around them so they don't get choked out by grass or weed, and water them if they need it. As trees grow larger, they are better able to "fend for themselves". We monitor them for disease and for interference from other trees (intruding branches, etc). We may also do minor "surgery" on your tree if, for example, a branch becomes damaged and the damaged area could cause disease to enter the main part of the tree.
Tree being watered
Can I visit my tree?
Yes. If you are planning a visit to the Big Island, you can arrange a visit to your tree. An additional fee of $50 applies due to the additional staff time it takes on our end. Please email us at adoptatreehi@gmail.com to request a visit to your tree. Please email as far in advance as possible. You will need to drive to Ahu Lani Sanctuary, and you should bring rain gear and good walking shoes. The last half mile of road is gravel, so we suggest an SUV or 4WD if possible. The distance from our parking area to your tree will vary depanding on where it was planted, but it could be one-fourth mile in each direction on mown paths.
Yes. If you are planning a visit to the Big Island, you can arrange a visit to your tree. An additional fee of $50 applies due to the additional staff time it takes on our end. Please email us at adoptatreehi@gmail.com to request a visit to your tree. Please email as far in advance as possible. You will need to drive to Ahu Lani Sanctuary, and you should bring rain gear and good walking shoes. The last half mile of road is gravel, so we suggest an SUV or 4WD if possible. The distance from our parking area to your tree will vary depanding on where it was planted, but it could be one-fourth mile in each direction on mown paths.
What happens if my tree gets sick or dies?
Not all adopted trees will grow to be fully mature trees. Wind storms or disease, for instance, can cause trees to die, no matter how we care for them. If your tree should die or get badly sick for any reason, we will plant a new seedling in its place and, of course, inform you about what's happened. The survival rate for koa trees planted at Ahu Lani Sanctuary is high--over 95% survive--in large part to the care we give them in their early life, plus our careful selection of strong seedlings.
Not all adopted trees will grow to be fully mature trees. Wind storms or disease, for instance, can cause trees to die, no matter how we care for them. If your tree should die or get badly sick for any reason, we will plant a new seedling in its place and, of course, inform you about what's happened. The survival rate for koa trees planted at Ahu Lani Sanctuary is high--over 95% survive--in large part to the care we give them in their early life, plus our careful selection of strong seedlings.
Is it possible to receive an updated photo upon special request?
Yes. We will email you a photo of your tree upon request. A $10 fee will apply. Please email us at adoptatreehi@gmail.com for special requests regarding photos.
Yes. We will email you a photo of your tree upon request. A $10 fee will apply. Please email us at adoptatreehi@gmail.com for special requests regarding photos.
Will I be able to see my tree on Google Earth?
During the first few years of its life, you will not be able to differentiate your tree due to the inherent limitations of Google Earth--it's just too small. After your tree gets bigger, it may be visible if it was planted in an open area (usually a former pasture area), and if the google earth image is not cloudy. The area where your tree is planted is a rain forest, and is often cloudy. We've had times when Google Earth shows a clear image, and times when you cannot see our land at all due to clouds. your tree may or may not be visible, depending on where it is located. If your tree is within the existing forest, or other trees have grown up around it, you likely will not be able to distinguish your tree from others in the forest.
During the first few years of its life, you will not be able to differentiate your tree due to the inherent limitations of Google Earth--it's just too small. After your tree gets bigger, it may be visible if it was planted in an open area (usually a former pasture area), and if the google earth image is not cloudy. The area where your tree is planted is a rain forest, and is often cloudy. We've had times when Google Earth shows a clear image, and times when you cannot see our land at all due to clouds. your tree may or may not be visible, depending on where it is located. If your tree is within the existing forest, or other trees have grown up around it, you likely will not be able to distinguish your tree from others in the forest.
How accurate are the GPS readings for my tree?
We use a Garmin GPS for our readings. According to Garmin's web site "Newer Garmin GPS receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability can improve accuracy to less than three meters on average." Since we're using one of the newer Garmins, that means your tree's GPS reading to accurate to less than 3 meters, or about 9 feet. Combined with the tag we put on your tree, we can easily find your tree in our forest.
We use a Garmin GPS for our readings. According to Garmin's web site "Newer Garmin GPS receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability can improve accuracy to less than three meters on average." Since we're using one of the newer Garmins, that means your tree's GPS reading to accurate to less than 3 meters, or about 9 feet. Combined with the tag we put on your tree, we can easily find your tree in our forest.
What will eventually happen to my tree? Can it be cut down?
Your tree will continue to grow at Ahu Lani Sanctuary for at least 25 years. After this time, Ahu Lani may selectively harvest a number of koa trees every year, and this may include your adopted tree. The koa wood thus harvested will generally be used by woodworkers to create beautiful koa furniture. And new native Hawaiian trees will be planted where your koa tree was growing.
Your tree will continue to grow at Ahu Lani Sanctuary for at least 25 years. After this time, Ahu Lani may selectively harvest a number of koa trees every year, and this may include your adopted tree. The koa wood thus harvested will generally be used by woodworkers to create beautiful koa furniture. And new native Hawaiian trees will be planted where your koa tree was growing.
How fast will my tree grow?
Koa trees are generally fast growers in their younger years, so it's unlikely that you will not notice growth. However, they may grow slowly at times depending on such factors as weather, rainfall, how much sun they're getting, and so on. We strive to plant adopted trees in areas where they will grow well.
Koa trees are generally fast growers in their younger years, so it's unlikely that you will not notice growth. However, they may grow slowly at times depending on such factors as weather, rainfall, how much sun they're getting, and so on. We strive to plant adopted trees in areas where they will grow well.
How long does it take a koa tree to grow to full size?
Koa trees become mature between 25 and 60 years after planting.
Koa trees become mature between 25 and 60 years after planting.
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