Tee Renovation Completed and Other Course Work

The staff completed the tee renovation to #5 and #14. They were stripped, tilled, laser leveled, tops sodded with zoysia and perimeter with fescue. We converted one single tee pointing to 6 tee box to 2 tees pointing at the 5th green. This should assist our players with proper alignment as well as our staff when they set the markers.

We aligned 14 somewhat the best we could but we were able to increase the teeing surface across the tee. If you remember, the left side fell off somewhat and reduced the overall teeing ground. 

I would expect a month of growth before these tees could be ready for play. In the meantime please resist the urge to walk on the surfaces. Extra water will be applied to get them to root and grow.

We had some extra zoysia and the staff is busy fixing damage spots in fairways. A little bit of fescue is left and we will patch a couple of prominent rough spots near greens. They are also going to remove sod from back area on 9 red tee, fill with dirt and sod with zoysia. This will allow us a larger area for a drop area for players lieing 3 after hitting the water.

We had a contractor come out on Monday/Tuesday to remove the tops of 3 large trees that have been in the process of dying the last couple of years. # 4 Elm along Lucas & Hunt, red oak at #10 tee and a large Pin Oak on the right side of 15. Since it is spring, we intend to evaluate the effects of the tree on 10. Everyone’s assumption is it will make it easier. As you play this season, your inputs that you have noticed in your playing groups will be appreciated by the green committee to make the proper decision to plant a new tree or not. 

MSD contractor continues their work on #9. Glen Echo Park subdivision had combined storm water and sanitary sewers which flowed downstream and would flood areas of U-City. Their efforts are attempting to place storm water in drainage systems and sanitary where it belongs. The area to the right of the cart path will be sodded with fescue allowing it to be more natural looking and fit into our golf course. No gabian in this project. Hopefully it will be completed in the next couple of weeks giving it plenty of time to grow in for summer.

The last pic is our effort to reduce compaction on the right entrance to 10 fairway. We placed a  bench across the path to request golfers to use the left cart path to enter the fairway and proceed to their golf ball. This will reduce the impacts on dormant grass as it tries to break winter's hold. We understand if your ball has gone to the right or not crossed the lake but if all players have crossed safely, please use the left path.

5 Blue Tee

Front of 5 white tee

Left side look of 14 tee. Not quite down the left side but much better than it has been.

Right side. We were able to get the top right corner to align down the right side.

Drainage area on #9. 

This area will be sodded completely and will handle storm water as it comes into the golf course.

Arrow for 10 tee. Please go down the left cart path to enter fairway. 

New Year,Excellent Videos on Trees and the Golf Course

A nice balanced video from the USGA regarding trees on the golf course. Also a second video which I've posted before on the blog. It discusses the need for light and air movement on our main play surfaces(greens) and the negative impacts that can be placed on this most important surface from trees planted in the wrong location.

Beginning next week we have contracted removal of a few trees that are hazardous and too large for us to drop without first having the limbs trimmed off. This will then allow our staff to remove the totem poled main trunk safely. We drop the logs and haul them to our maintenance area for splitting or placed in our dump for grinding in the future. This work will begin on Monday and Tuesday(for the contractor) and will probably take most of next week for our staff to get the logs removed, area raked and material hauled away. The staff have been involved in splitting and stacking tree parts that were removed during the season to make room for the trees that have been approved for removal by the Green Committee and Board.

The Future and our Tree Management Program

As a manager of five very diverse group of properties over the last 24 years, some of the facilities have had very few trees near the main play areas and some properties have many trees including the current property Glen Echo. The one thing that sets Glen Echo apart is its age and historical significance to the game of golf in St. Louis and for that matter the United States. 

The first thing you notice as you drive in from Lucas & Hunt and take the Marvin Pearson Lane through the course is the beauty of the trees.  Once you observe the trees, your eyes then pan down to the playing surface of the sixth green.  As you continue to drive toward the bridge that takes you across our four lake system, your neck stretches and eyes long for a view of the ribbons of grass fairways that make their way across the hills and valleys of this great golf club.

As superintendent, I've been tasked with the responsibility of managing all the property that our fine club owns. The 35 acres of greens, tees, and fairways are my main focus and we use at least 80% of our courses budget on this 25% of our total acreage.

During my time here as superintendent, I've attempted to be very conservative in my efforts regarding the removal of trees.  A majority of the trees removed have been dead or near dead and hazardous. Less than 20% of the trees I've removed have been healthy trees and the only reason a majority of them were removed were to improve the lifeblood of our course, our golf greens. I believe there are many members of the club who want a balanced approach to a tree program. 

Legitimate safety concerns, negative effects to the architectural integrity of the course and turf health are three things that I use to evaluate the removal of a tree.  I also bring in outside assistance as needed.  Our USGA agronomist last spring suggested to hard pruning of a couple of teeing ground trees instead of removal to provide the proper light for turf health but also keep into consideration the feelings of members about trees. This past fall, I brought in Kye Goalby who did a magnificent job with the architectural design and shaping of our new bunkers.  I wanted his opinion regarding the effects on the architectural design of some trees that I thought were causing issues to some tee and green complexes. Some he agreed with, some he suggested I leave for another day and some he thought I should leave for someone else to fight the battle. I then made a presentation to the green committee who agreed with some of the recommendations but not all. As you can see, the removal of trees is not as simple as some might think. If a tree is a hazard, has died or damaged, a quick decision but all other situations are given very detailed thought and evaluation.   

As a part of our discussions over the last few months, I've read posts from superintendents throughout the country and discussed with them how to manage a successful tree program. One of the most important components that they all stressed was a clear plan and a set of parameters to evaluate trees on property each and every year. This would be a committee approach involving club management, green committee, course architect and possibly an arborist to assist with tree health issues.  

Most importantly in our tree management program is the care and upkeep of our trees on property. Timely pruning and pest control strategies are important in preventing the early removal of damaged or pest infected trees.  Also, proper selection for the site and an expanded selection of trees are necessary to prevent total loss of species from pests like the Emerald Ash Borer. 

In closing, I never believed grass was the end all be all of the world but as a golf course superintendent, I am judged and employed by having healthy and vibrant tees, greens and fairways for our membership and guests to enjoy.  

First greens mowing of the year and more

The staff rolled and used the riding greens mower on Monday, March 10th.  Since I have been here at GECC, we have mowed on 2/28, 3/3,2/18,2/1,3/1.  As you can see, a bit late for 2014.  I expect we are about 1 1/2 weeks behind in our normal turf growing.  We are scheduled to aerate this Monday/Tuesday. I would prefer the greens to be a little more active in their growth but we should be okay to complete this work early in the week.  The heat over the last couple of days should give them a good kick and mowing another time or two will get the plants responding and begin to grow.  Opening the greens up and placing a heavy layer of brown sand will also help to warm up the profile which also increases growth potential.  I prefer to get aeration completed early so they are in great condition for April play.  I don't like to get our members out all excited to play and then interrupt for aeration and healing during the month of April.  Also, once the rough begins to grow which is usually by April 1st, our staffing levels drop because a couple of guys are tied up with rough mowing. As time allows with the rest of our work schedule, we intend to get single holes placed back in greens for regular play.

Tom mowing #3 green.

We rented a 45' lift last week and have been trying to get some of our Tree Management Program work completed. We have used the machine to remove a couple of trees but our most important use of the lift is to raise the lower branches of the trees and remove deadwood.  As a tree matures, the lower branches of the trees shade turf, create structural issues for the tree and will ultimately die due to too much shade.  Removing these limbs assists to stabilize the tree and will improve the amount of light that turf growing around trees can receive.  We are also removing deadwood and suckers that could be reached from the lift.  We only have the lift for a few days and are trying to get as much accomplished as possible during this period.  

 

Before trimming.  Low hanging limbs and deadwood.

After some pruning a couple of days ago, the tree has had its lower limbs removed and deadwood removed as well.

Brush underneath an oak along #15. Large trees require a great deal of work.

Chips from oak tree limbs which will be used in some of our course mulched areas.

Becky has already been hard at work pruning back plant material in beds, cutting off grasses, pruning shrubs and raking leaves out of beds. 144 plants are arriving this week with another 3,500-4,000 over the next 3 weeks that must be potted and placed in the greenhouse.

Tree Management Program/Bunker Restoration

We have started removing trees for the bunker restoration project.  Trees from #9, 16 and the right of 2 green were removed yesterday and today.  The tree on 16 was severely decayed and has been on my need to remove list for the last year.  We have an additional tree on #2 and two large oaks to the left of 18 green which will be removed on Monday/Tuesday of next week.  I understand the concern that some have expressed regarding the removal of trees.  The trees along #2 are being removed to expand the fairway to the right of the hole and along the green.  This will give us widened fairway height bailout area next to the green.  It will also allow for additional air circulation to this green which is one of our weakest greens each season.

The staff working very quickly to get everything cut and chipped up and hauled away.

The complete middle section was rotten and infested with carpenter  ants.  This tree was waiting to fall down during the most inconvenient time for our staff and was a hazard to our membership and guests. 

Tree Management Program

A standing dead and a weakened tree were removed near the fence line along #3 late last week  The staff have also been pruning red maples and other trees that are dangerous for operators to work around while they try to trim around the 1,000 or so trees we have on property.  The work will also assist our members and guests who might end up underneath one of these trees so they can identify their golf ball and make an attempt at advancing it toward the hole.  The staff  have also been involved in the yearly pruning of the Amur maples that line the roadway along Lucas & Hunt Road.  A new sidewalk and signs have been installed which required some additional lift of the trees so that road signs could be seen by motorists.  There will be ongoing tree management work as time allows over the next month or two.    

Cutting down the stump of the dead oak and preparing to cut up the  pine that was dropped nearby.

Tree Management Program

We removed a few trees in the last week or two due to the tub grinder that was working in the back of the range for the metrolink project.  The large bases of the trees were hauled back to the range and were ground into chips.  The trees have been on our list the last couple years due to significant damage and their hollow trunks that could pose a hazard to members and staff.

A beautiful white oak died in late summer near the fence on #6 and Gamma tree is removing this giant today.  Trees do out compete turf but I always feel bad when an old tree that does not create turf quality issues has to be removed.  

Hollow silver maple logs from #17 being hauled back to the grinder.

Staff cutting on upper limbs from #17 silver maple that was completely hollow and damaged.

Sweetgum that was damaged and removed.

Large white oak along #6 fence line.

More than 1/2 the limbs removed.

Down to the central leader.  

Tree Removal from the front gate area

We contracted the removal of the oak tree from the front gate that was struck by lightning earlier in the season. I had hoped to remove it this winter but it has browned out and succumbed to its injuries from this summer.  The top is being removed  today and the rest of the log will be removed this week.  As mentioned in a recent posting, we will have the two trees removed in late fall to the right of #1 tee by contractors who will be doing work over the winter in the ditch near the driving range and hole #1.  The large oak near #9/club lawn will be removed by our staff as will the oak on the right of #12.  There appear to be other trees that are browning out and showing serious distress as well which we will be monitoring this fall.  

Power lines, gate, wall and ornamental plantings were too close for our staff to attempt this job plus it is a very large tree.   Contracted out the job to a tree service to remove the severely damaged pin oak from the front gate area.

Tree Management Plan

The weather turned back to winter last week which gave us an opportunity to do some additional tree management work.  Wind damaged trees, diseased/dying trees and some additional branch pruning were all accomplished.  A contracted stump grinder will be cleaning up the stumps on the course over the next week if weather cooperates.  Our staff will remove the ground material, dirt filled in where necessary and will be capped off with new sod.    


Asst. Skip removing limbs from damaged tree.



The staff cutting up limbs and hauling for grinding and or splitting.

Trees along #16 having deadwood and lower limbs removed.

Brush removed from a large oak along #16

Skip removing limbs from white oak between 3 and 12 which died at the end of last summer.

Storm Damage

No major damage from the early morning storm that passed through the area but there were a couple of mid-sized trees that that were damaged.




The view from the 11th cart path looking over toward #4.  There was another small Ash on the right of #12 that was blown over as well.

There is a Spruce on the left of the path along #2 that had two central leaders.  The top of one of these forks

was snapped off.  The tree should be ok for now. 

Add-on furnace update

Good news regarding our add-on wood burning furnace.  Our Lacede Gas bill this month was
$ 296.13.  Average over the last 4 years was $ 1363 with low of $ 927 last year to a high of $ 1686 in 2007.  Total expense from 11-12-09 thru 2-16-10   $ 809.

Tree Maintenance Program(Limb removal)

Our TMP,(Tree Maintenance Program) not only includes the removal of dead and or damaged trees but also requires that trees be pruned to remove lower branches. The removal of the branches is needed for a number of reasons.

• As a tree becomes mature, shade from the upper branches reduces the ability of the lower branches to survive because the lack of sunlight.
• Lower limbs are removed to improve the overall health of our turf in the rough under and adjacent to the trees as well as along the fairways by allowing more sunlight to reach the grass.
• Smaller trees have limbs raised to allow carts and mowing equipment to navigate around safely.
• Dead limbs are removed to reduce the opportunity for disease and insect damage.

Assistant Skip and Russell doing the honors along # 2 cart path. Limbs which have been removed and are then cut up and hauled back to our chipper in the maintenance area. Tom and Jason have been working the last few days doing the clean up work.
We've got one more week rental of our lift so the guys will be working feverishly over the next 6 days to complete as much work as possible.

Winter tree work

A little warmer weather has allowed the staff to get back outside this week and continue with our work. As our trees age, they become hollow and cracked. Sometimes, the tree has a large wound on the outside of the tree which makes it apparent that there is some type of serious injury on the inside of the tree. We had a large oak near the patio/wedding area near the club which showed a wound that was three to four feet high at the base. There were also large cracks that extended into the tree but we could not see how far into the tree that these cracks traveled. The tree was also snapping and popping during higher wind events. We removed this tree and the pictures below demonstrate that it was weak and severely compromised.

Inside third(heartwood) of the tree was decayed and you can see the large cracks radiating toward the outside of the tree.

Large crack which went from the middle to the outside of the tree.

The chipper is brought out into the field where we grind up the smaller limbs and the remaining material is hauled back to the shop area. We utilize this chipped material in some of our ornamental bed plantings that can handle this type of material.As you can see, this tree was in very close proximity to where many members and guests spend time in the patio area of the club. The logs are put in the loader and hauled back to the shop to be split for firewood.

Russ, Jason and Tom are doing the work in the picture below.

We have rented a lift for a month to assist us with removing the tops of some of the larger trees that are on our removal list. Some of the trees to be removed are too large to drop at once. It is not safe to the staff on the ground if the tree has a large amount of limbs on the top half and there are trees nearby which can prevent the tree from falling straight to the ground. We also want to protect the nearby trees, fencing and power sources from trees that need to be removed. We also plan to clean out some of our dead limbs on various trees throughout the proper. Dead limbs can create a hazard to our members and staff, create extra work for the staff when they fall during wind events and can encourage disease and or insect entry points in decaying wood.

Skip and Mike working in the large oak tree on #7 which is dying and is being removed.

Rainy wet days

Well, we have had a few wet days lately. Dry enough to get most of our mowing completed at least once during the week but we have not been able to make it around twice like we normally attempt. On some of the wet days when we attempt to keep the larger equipment off of the course, we have other jobs that have to be completed sometime during the season. As you know, the property lines are fenced which creates issues for us from time to time. Plants of all types attempt to start their lives in our fence line. This week, we've spent some time working along Lucas & Hunt and the property line along #6, 8 and 9.

The Amur Maple which provides some welcomed screening from the traffic is our main tree along Lucas & Hunt and we are required to remove some of the dead and or dying wood. We also attempt to remove some of the low hanging branches which affect our ability to mow and the trimmed trees improve the overall aesthetics of the facility. We also have unwanted species such as honeysuckle, mulberry and other junk trees that attempt to take up rights to our property. If we do not remove them when they are small, it requires twice the work when they get large. We also must prune the hedges which grow along the fence line of 6,7 and 8.

An ornamental grass planting has been growing to the right and down the hill from the 9th tee along the fence. The staff cleaned this area and placed free wood chips from our grinding operation over the winter along this bed to make it easier to mow and improve the look of the area. They also cleaned the fence line between the bed and the back gate which had become overgrown with poison ivy, honeysuckle and some other weedy material. Last fall, the staff mulched the tree and shrub border which goes around the lower end of the employee parking area and they freshened up the mulch again in the last few days. We also used the chipped material for the shrub and grass beds along Wallinsford as you drive by the short range area. Sometimes chipped material has a tendency to fade and not have a good look to it but since there was some pretty substantial oak chips in our ground material, I think the look is pretty good.

Here are a couple of pictures to show some of the work.

Arturo(closest to the chipper), brothers Jose and Armando are completing the chipping of the material that was hauled into the yard area. You can see the fresh chips in the background. We probably had at least 20 yards of free chipped material that we were able to use since last fall. This has saved on hauling costs for our large waste dumpster and we have saved money by using less mulch which we have to purchase.

Tom hauling in another batch of Amur Maple limbs.

This is the view from the employee lot looking toward the 9th tee box. You can see the mulch along the parking lot which has some grasses and trees and to the left of the photo is the grass bed which was cleaned and mulched along the fence line.