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The most dramatic work done on the golf course this winter was tree pruning and removal. ClubCorp is definitely committed to maintaining a healthy course, and tree care is an important part of that program. Our staff is working hand in hand with our local contractor to handle the biggest challenges we face with tree loss, shade and safety. Here is a list of tree work we are working on this winter:
- #5 Forward Tee - Removal
- This maple lost a main branch this summer, leaving all the remaining weight of the tree right where carts and walkers head to the fairway. The trunk was compromised and this tree was removed for safety.
- #7 Fairway - Removal
- This ash was hit by lightning in the summer of 2016 and was 95% dead due to lightning damage and the emerald ash borer. This was removed for safety reasons.
- #7 Black Tee - Pruning
- The maples around this tee were pruned to allow sunlight to reach the tee, and also to remove branches that were blocking shots from the teeing ground.
- #13 Tee / #14 Green - Removals
- The pine trees between 13 tee and 14 green were removed for several reasons.
- First, these pines significantly shaded the tees, leaving the turf thin and weak.
- Additionally, the furthest pine shaded the right edge of the green, which caused turf loss almost every summer.
- Finally, these trees blocked any possible air flow between these holes.
- By removing these trees, the 14th green should be much healthier. We are planning on moving the fan up to #11 green, where it will significantly help during summer months.
- #17 Fairway - Removal
- This tree was affectionately called the "cactus tree" because all of its large branches split out of one location close to the ground, leaving it to resemble a cactus from the Roadrunner cartoon! It had lost a large leader last year, leaving over 65% of the trunk compromised at ground level. This was removed for safety.
- #18 Black Tee - Removal and Pruning
- The maples around this tee were pruned to allow sunlight to reach the tee.
- The Siberian elm behind the tee was failing, and was removed for safety and to also allow sunlight to reach the tee.
- The 5 Leyland cypress behind the tee were failing, and were removed for aesthetics, because they were thin and sickly looking.
- Driveway / Cart Barn
- The pine along the driveway started to lean alarmingly last weekend as the soil thawed. The root zone was compromised by fall and winter rains, and once things softened up, the tree started to tilt towards the parking lot. This was removed for safety reasons.
- The maple tree next to the cart barn was removed for aesthetic and safety reasons. It had already started to split the cinderblock wall of the cart barn, and was leaning over the parking lot, right where players like to walk up towards the driving range.
We will assess how these removals affect play over the next golf year, and will develop plans as needed to maintain the integrity of the golf course.
Take care, and see you on the course!
Take care, and see you on the course!
