The tree management program, set forth by the Tree Inventory performed by our arborist Julie Stachecki, is now in it's 3rd year and the crew has started some of the removals scheduled for this winter. The reason for these removals is not aesthetics or shot strategy but is instead based upon tree health, agronomic health and safety.
The vast majority of the removals are in poor health and/or pose a safety risk. There are multiple ways a tree can decline but a prevalent reason the staff has noticed here at MCC is the formation of cavities (hollowed, rotting sections) within the trunk and large branches of our trees, as depicted in the picture below.
These cavities negatively effect the structural integrity of the tree and are therefore in danger of falling on their own. By removing them in a controlled setting they won't pose a danger to members during the golf season, particularly trees in high areas of play.
Another common health problem among our evergreen trees is chemical damage by the herbicide Imprelis. Even though applied 3 years ago, this chemical mutates the new growth (in the picture below), causes discoloration, needle lost and in most cases leads to the death of the tree.
Members have probably noticed the worst of these trees around the course. Another issues that these trees pose is, as they decline, they release pheromones that insects can sense and will congregate (and feed) on that tree. This isn't directly bad as the tree is already dying but these insects will then move to other trees in the vicinity, possible healthy specimens.
Trees and turf compete for the same things; water, nutrients, etc...When trees are small and immature the turf can still be vigorous, healthy and aesthetically pleasing around them. However, as trees grow and there root systems develop they can start to out compete the turf. Mature trees cast large amounts of shade too, obviously limiting the photosynthetic rate of grass.
The majority of trees at MCC are classified as semi-mature, mature or overly mature so they have reached or are approaching their full size. Although stated in a previous article, this is very troublesome when large trees are near shortly mown surfaces (i.e. greens, fairways and tees). In an effort to give a consistent playing surface, improve vigor and therefore improve the turfs ability to withstand periods of extreme environmental conditions, multiple trees around greens were removed mid-Fall as members have probably noticed.
We hope that your holidays were enjoyable and encourage the membership to stay tuned for future articles throughout the winter regarding the golf course. Enjoy.
