Question 1

Can I have a sign at the base of my tree as a memorial?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What does the money I pay go towards when I adopt a tree?

Accepted Answer

Your tree adoption fee is used to pay for the collection of Koa seeds or seedlings, their 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.

Question 3

What happens if my tree gets sick or dies?

Accepted Answer

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. The survival rate for our koa trees is around 90%--in large part to the care we give them in their early life, plus our careful selection of strong seedlings.

Question 4

How do I know that the tree in the photos is mine?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How is my tree protected from damage by cattle, pigs, and other animals?

Accepted Answer

The land upon which your tree is planted 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.

Question 6

How is my tree cared for to assure that it remains healthy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Is it possible to receive an updated photo upon special request?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Will I be able to see my tree on Google Earth?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How do you find my tree using GPS?

Accepted Answer

GPS readings are accurate to around 10-15 feet, so we can use GPS to get close to your tree. Then we look for the tag and/or sign placed by your tree .

Question 10

What will eventually happen to my tree? Can it be cut down?

Accepted Answer

Your tree will continue to grow for at least 25 years. After this time, we 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.

Question 11

How fast will my tree grow?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How long does it take a koa tree to grow to full size?

Accepted Answer

Koa trees become mature between 25 and 60 years after planting.

ADOPT A TREE Hawaii

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Sample Photos of Koa Trees at Ahu Lani Sanctuary