The recent plunge in temperature has resulted in frozen ground that is ideal for tree work, so we're taking a break from drainage and picking up where we left off last winter. Removing trees can be a contentious issue, but recent trends show that selective removals have significant results when it comes to improving turf health and playability. The majority of our work is removing underbrush and undesirable trees such as locust and sumac, but we sometimes have to remove oak, maple, cherry or elm trees if they're too close to greens, tees or fairways. These species have shallow root systems that will out-compete turfgrass for water and nutrients, all while blocking sunlight and airflow.
Trees are also removed for safety reasons, and we've been proactively removing trees that are in decline. Visible damage to the trunk, especially around the base of the tree, is an indicator of a potential hazard. Also, dead branches at the very top of a tree indicate a problem.
Click here for a recent article from the USGA about trees and their effect on turfgrass.
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Shaded putting green turf will always be lesser quality
compared to turf that receives full sun. |
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| Rotting heartwood makes trees weaker and more likely to come down in storms. |
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| Thin turf under a dense tree canopy. |
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| This tree only had minor indicators of poor health, but was clearly in decline. |
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| Maintenance staff removing brush and undesirable trees near Grove 9 green. |
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