Friday, April 18, 2014

Sometimes it does not take a Scientist(Rocket) that is to solve a problem

We spend a great deal of time evaluating problems on the golf course based on scientific information.  Sometimes the answers can be found in your front yard or back yard and only require observation and common sense.  So goes the tree that was removed from the left side of #17 green.  The staff were finally able to remove the trunk of the tree earlier this week.  We could see a large cavity in the tree before the decision was made to remove it but was not sure exactly how deep it was into the tree.  Well, we found out with its removal.  Nearly 40% of the interior of the tree was gone.  The tree had an expansive canopy, one of the largest on property and was only supported by about 60% of its trunk system. 
Paint gun is 3 foot long so the cavity covered almost 9 sq ft.
Take a look under or near any shade tree in your home landscape, especially a tree that creates shade in the early morning.  In most cases a very poor grass growing environment, spindly, thin and many times non-existent turf grass.  As you get out further from the trees center and begin to enter parts of the yard with more sun, the turf increases in thickness and overall quality. The same thing goes with a golf green that is severely shaded, and especially shaded in the morning which was the case with #17. Below are a before and after of the sun field that is now provided for the 17th green.  The grass on this green is most appreciative of our efforts!

8:54 am in August.  Look at the shade on this green.  Deep shade on 17 green.
Taken about the same time today.  Realize there are no leaves on the trees but the sun is actually flatter this time of year and the green is almost in full sun.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Joe,

I like what you and your crew has done with the trees. Like you said it is a fine line to walk with shade. Trees are beautiful- BUT - they limit the vitality of the grass. The trimming of the under branches will make the trees beautiful and healthy.

Thanks again,
Paul Herrin

Unknown said...

Joe,

I want to thank you and your crew for the tree trimming and removal this spring. You are walking a fine line with trees. They are beautiful - BUT - they can cause problems with the health of our green and fairways. The tree trimming will make the trees more vigorous and will also help the health of our fairways.

Thanks again,
Paul Herrin