Windbreak Replacement Options

Wiliwili tree affected by the Erythrina Gall Wasp.
The Wiliwili tree population in Hawai‘i has been descimated by the Erythrina Gall Wasp.

Do you need to replace your windbreaks?

Almost everyone in Hawai‘i has noticed the damage caused to local Coral and Wiliwili trees by a new invasive pest, the Erythrina Gall Wasp (Quadrastichus erythrinae). This tiny wasp cannot sting people, but damages trees by laying eggs in the leaves, causing galls and other leaf deformities, leading to the death of many host trees. Wiliwili trees are one of the most common varieties used for windbreaks in Hawai‘i and many have been killed by the Erythrina Gall Wasp.

Recommended Windbreak Species

The trees selected for this list of Recommended Windbreak Species are not hosts for the Erythrina Gall Wasp. Several of these species are also available through the NRCS Ho‘olehua Plant Materials Center. NRCS has cost-share funding available for those who qualify to replace windbreaks damaged by the Erythrina Gall Wasp. Considerations for a new windbreak include: growth rate, water needs, height, fruit production, native status and spacing.

Trees Up To 20 Feet In Height

hibiscus windbreak Hibiscus
Hibiscus spp.
  • Moderate growth rate
  • 30" rainfall per year
  • Native and Chinese varieties
 oleander windbreak Oleander
Nerium oleander
  • Rapid growth rate
  • 30" rainfall per year
  • Salt tolerant
  • Poisonous sap
croton windbreak Croton
Codium variegatum
  • Slow growth rate
  • 40" rainfall per year
  • Attractive foliage
 dracaena windbreak Dracaena
Dracaena fragrans
Dracaena dermensis
  • Moderate growth rate
  • 50" rainfall per year

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Trees 20 to 40 Feet In Height

avocado windbreak Avocado
Persea Americana
  • Moderate growth rate
  • 30" rainfall per year
  • From seed for windbreak use
 panax windbreak Panax
Polyscias guilfolyei
  • Moderate growth rate
  • 30" rainfall per year
  • Compact columnar shape
milo windbreak Milo
Thespesia populnea
  • Rapid growth rate
  • 30" rainfall per year
  • Salt tolerant
  • Polynesian
 gliricidia windbreak Gliricidia
Gliricidia sepium
  • Rapid growth rate
  • 40" rainfall per year
  • Nitrogen fixing tree

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Trees Over 40 Feet In Height

dunns white gum windbreak Dunn’s White Gum
Eucalyptus dunnii
  • Rapid growth rate
  • 30" rainfall per year
  • Popular windbreak
 brushbox windbreak Brushbox
Lophostemon confertus
  • Rapid growth rate
  • 40" rainfall per year
  • Popular windbreak
cook pine windbreak Cook Pine
Araucaria columnaris
  • Moderate growth rate
  • 40" rainfall per year
  • Salt tolerant

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Many other options available, including grasses and palms, and a District planner can help you decide on a tree that will meet your needs. Contact your nearest SWCD office or consult the Hawaii Vegetative Guide, available online at: www.hi.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/pmc.html.