ʻŌhiʻa outplanting with shade card protection

Restoration planting of Metrosideros polymorpha seedlings in fenced areas with shade card protection for the first 12 months.

1. Source seedlings from propagules collected within 5 km of planting site (local genetic provenance). 2. Outplant at 3×3 m spacing during wet season onset. 3. Install shade cards (corrugated plastic) at 30cm height on south/west side. 4. Water at planting and at 2 weeks if no rain. 5. Control grass within 50 cm radius for 12 months. 6. Remove shade cards at 12–18 months once plants are above grass layer.

Standard field safety; consider ROD (Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death) sanitation — clean tools and footwear between sites.

Strong survival (>75%) on mesic sites with follow-up grass suppression. Drought-year plantings can fall below 40% without supplemental water.