Tree Line Restoration Winter 2014

This past winter we selected trees for removal that were casting shade on our bermudagrass putting surfaces.  During this process we also surveyed all trees and shrubs that were growing in our tree lines making note of their species, light requirement, current size, annual growth rate, mature height/width and expected lifespan so that we could manage these areas to reach their full potential for long term sustainability.  With this information we selected the highest quality specimen trees to remain while removing fast growing weak wooded trash trees with a short lifespan like Water Oak (quercus nigra) and Sweetgum (liquidamber styracifolia).  Small tree saplings were also removed that were spaced to tightly and growing into the larger specimen trees.  These immature trees weaken the structural integrity of our selected specimen trees by forcing abnormal growth angles as the tree reaches for light in competion with other plants.  These abnormal growth angles exposes the tree to an increased risk failure under high wind events that frequently occur in our area. The removal of the smaller tree saplings allow for the larger specimen trees to grow stronger for a longer lifespan while becoming more visible so that it's individual beauty may be appreciated at our facility for years to come.  Once the selected trees were removed shrubs were evaluated for their value and contribution for seperation and beauty to our landscape.  Any shrub that was deemed low quality or could not perform based on site specific circumstances were removed and a mix of native shrubbery and grasses were transplanted along with the installation of nursery grown plants in areas where immediate screening was necessary.

We must manage our landscape as it matures and grows because since man settled this area he has gotten in the way of Mother Nature's management plan.  Mother Nature, if given time, will eventually select the strongest specimen plant for us by thinning the forest through catastrophic wind events that frequent our area.  By managing our forest now we minimize damage and clean up cost in the future and provide a much more consistently sustainable habitat.

Looking from 5 tee to 7 fairway

View from 5 tee to 7 green

View from 9 green