After a Devastating Loss - Newly Refreshed Palolo Triangle in Kaimuki
Posted on Nov. 7, 2024 / Arboriculture / Subscribe 0
By: Brandon Au
The iconic Chinese Banyan tree that shaded Waialae and Palolo Avenues had been targeted by the stem and leaf gall wasps and the lobate lac scale over many years. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Division of Urban Forestry (DUF), and Horticulture Services Branch have been maintaining and treating this banyan. It was observed that this tree was showing signs of weakening and needed additional care. Late in 2023, DUF’s Nursery and Landscape Section treated the banyan tree with a systemic insecticide, fertilized it, and provided additional watering.
Figure 1. The iconic Chinese Banyan tree showing signs of weakening and needing care.
However, in February 2024, a major limb snapped and fell onto Palolo Avenue in the early morning prior to the morning traffic without incident. DUF’s Arboriculture Section addressed the emergency and later returned to remove the entire tree due to extensive rot that compromised the integrity of the tree. It was unfortunate to see how a once heavily-shaded area, where the community waited for the bus, hung out, and enjoyed the area, was now completely open with no shade at all.
The Nursery and Landscape Section quickly designed a tree replacement plan but also redesigned the entire park. The existing landscaping dates back to the early 1970s, and needed a refresh. DUF coordinated with DPR’s Park Maintenance and Recreation Services (PMRS) Division, which maintains the grounds, the litter and debris, and landscaping, and also with PMRS’s Maintenance Support Services (MSS) Branch, Plumbing and Irrigation Section, who replaced the backflow preventer and repaired and restored the existing irrigation system. An Ali‘i Banyan replaced the Chinese Banyan, and Weeping Bottlebrush trees, Mame and Norma Croton shrubs, Natal Plum groundcover, and El Toro grass were planted.
Figures 2-5. The refreshed landscape at the Palolo Triangle in Kaimuki was planted with Ali‘i Banyan which replaced the Chinese Banyan, Weeping Bottlebrush trees, Mame and Norma Croton shrubs, Natal Plum groundcover, and El Toro grass.
As mentioned in a press release, DUF’s Administrator, Roxanne M. Adams, hopes the replacement tree and landscaping will create a new sense of place and community for the neighborhood. She stated, “I refer to trees like these as ‘sentinels’ because they watch over our neighborhoods and provide a myriad of benefits and protections. We very much understood the impact the loss of this tree had on the community, and wanted to replace it as soon as possible.”
DUF, PMRS, and MSS were recognized by the Department for their hard work and dedication in revitalizing the Palolo Triangle and were presented with the Department’s Parks Pride Award.
This tree planting project was completed on National Love a Tree Day on May 16th which was celebrated with Trees for Honolulu’s Future and Smart Trees Pacific.
Brandon Au, Vice President of LICH, is the head of the Nursery and Landscape Section for the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Urban Forestry.
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