The Politics Of Tree Removal And Pruning

Everyone loves trees and shrubs. They look great, create shade, help clean the air of CO2 and produce oxygen. Older trees remind us of longevity and history. The problem, as far as greens and tees are concerned, is that they rob the turf of moisture and nutrients and the shade they produce restricts sunlight penetration and air movement. Critical factors for healthy golf course turf growth.

Do I wish we could remove trees at will to open up those areas here that are diifcult to maintain turf? Of course but we are on leased land and the City of Edmonton has a very restrictive river valley tree policy. We abide by it but some trees do have to come down and that is why we plant new trees in areas away from greens and tees or on the north side of these areas.

Pruning on the other hand is less restrictive and does help us manage tree growth. Unfortunately there are some variables involved here that don't work in our favor. They are: money (labor), time, weather and debris disposal.

We only have so many staff to do so many tasks in a day of work. Tree pruning generally falls under Tim's responsibility and we give him help when he requests it. I tend to give Tim direction as to what needs attention as I am always looking for those areas that need the most pruning (as staffing and time permits). The weather is a factor when storms create additional work or when rainfall finally allows the trees to really flourish. Like now. We have noticed unusual high growth patterns this summer. Another factor we must consider is where to put all the debris. We own a powerful log splitter, a very good chipper and a medium duty stump grinder. Regardless of that we are out of room. The high road, behind 15A and our yard are full. The last point to remember is that we are an old woodland golf course and by the nature of the beast we will always have shaded areas and overhanging limbs to contend with.

Right now we have opened up the back of the 6th tee box and done some other work you may not have noticed. Also I have just given Tim a list of dead trees that need removal as well. Members tend to notice dead trees and wonder why they aren't cut down sooner than later. We know they are there but it all comes down to priorities. More staff and more equipment solely dedicated to tree work would go a long way but is it really necessary? We will get to the task at hand eventually. Without going into great detail think of the area between the 5th green and the 8th tee and the back of the 10th green. Some "pruning" has changed conditions for the better. We need to proceed cautiously here. If anyone needs clarification contact me on a secure line :) .

If you are reading this before playing this weekend the course was flooded twice this week. Tuesday was the first storm and my staff did a great job pumping and adjusting the bunkers yesterday. I told them to take a picture because more rain was forecast and guess what? Thunderstorms and heavy rains have flooded the course again. On a Friday before a weekend as well. So please be patient as the bunkers won't be at their best and the rough will be a tad deep in spots. We will be hard at it again on Monday when we have a full compliment of staff. The only chance we had to roll greens was Thursday and with the soft conditions please understand that the greens speed will be lower.

Wade