Yes correct I was assuming you suggested using the existing HISM component in a manager class, not writing my own HISM component. In the end I want to use the engine tools as efficient as possible for my use case. So the current question is, should I use the existing foliage system or implement my own system using the existing HISM component.
I would prefer to use the foliage system because it offers some simplifications over doing it myself, if only I know how to access the foliage instances from Blueprint to replace them with actors when needed or grow them over time. It also seems to be the “recommended” way. If the engine is already offering a foliage system, I should probably use it.
EDIT: I found this, which seems to bring in the missing pieces for me:
This gets me one step closer to building my forest 