Tree Inventory and Assessment

Last fall, Meadowbrook CC requested and completed a tree inventory of all the trees located on the golf course, club grounds and range.  The total came to 1,467 and each of these were documented in regards to  species, size, condition and recommendations for future care. As members are aware, MCC boasts some truly amazing specimens, for example the black walnut on the 15th fairway, the towering shagbark hickory  behind the 5th green, the oak trees near the 4th hole and a couple remaining elms scattered throughout the course, to name a few. 

The real value of the tree inventory is that it lays out a road map of tree care over the next several years.  With each tree inspected for everything from disease to structural integrity,  the instructions are there to make the tree population truly shine.  The following is a generalized list of some of the issues/cultural practices that the arborist inspected each tree for, issues that homeowners should be aware of as well if they have good specimens or young trees within their property.

• Co-dominant Trunks- 2 leading trunks compromise the integrity of the tree and is rarely pleasing from aesthetic standpoint.  If the tree is mature not much can be done, but young trees with co-dominant headers can be pruned to select the better of the two. 
• Girdling Roots- This refers to roots that are strangling portions of the tree, especially in situations when mulch has been piled too high around the base of the trunk.  Some of these are visible, but they can occur underground as well.  Root girdling is suspected if specific portions of the tree are in decline while the rest appears healthy.  Maple trees are susceptible to girdling roots. 
• Pruning- This refers to a multitude of practices including removal of deadwood, thinning and crown cleaning.  A large number of trees at MCC are going to or presently require pruning so the crew will be kept busy.  
• Disease/Pests- There a variety of diseases and pests that can infest any given species.  To name only a few, the crew has treated evergreens for needlecast (fungal pathogen), Diplodia (fungal pathogen) and the white pine weevil.  Flowering crab apples require fungicide applications for apple scab, while Linden Trees and Roses are susceptible to adult Japanese Beetles and need an insecticide to prevent damage.  
• Structural Integrity- If weakened structure is suspected, a structural evaluation of the tree is a good idea.  This will make the property owner aware of any possible hazards in the future.  The black walnut by the 9th green is a good candidate for a structural evaluation due to its odd branching and heavy fruit that can weight down limbs.
• Removals- An easy solution but one that is not made lightly.  Usually a result from one or a combination of the above issues, these trees present a current or potential danger to important aspects of the course or golfer safety. 

  

  9th Green Walnut Tree; A good candidate for a structural evaluation

The tree population as a whole was scrutinized as well, especially in terms of diversity.  A group of arborist recommend the following diversification guidelines (referring to the taxonomic hierarchy i.e. Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species):

• No more than 30% of the same Family
• No more than 20% of the same Genus
• No more than 10% of the same Species

The pine Family, encompassing most of the evergreens on the course, is over the 30% guideline recommended.  Part of this is due to the large, protective blue spruce plantings alongside the driving range but there is a significant percentage of evergreens on the course as well.  The chemical Imprelis highlighted this lack of diversity.  The majority of pines and spruces on the course were damaged by the herbicide, and if removals are necessary, the diversification of the population will suffer too.  To even the population out, when a new planting is necessary, a different species is utilized.  Concolor firs and limber pines are beautiful trees that have similar environmental requirements as blue spruces and white pines, making them suitable replacement trees. 

In conclusion, the tree inventory and assessment could not have come at a better time.  Because of DuPont's chemical debacle, the tree population is in a precarious state, and one that will have to be monitored closely.  With this new tool, the staff will be able to not only navigate this uncharted territory but improve on the quality and health of the other trees on the property.