Ash tree removal along #2

On Tuesday we brought in our tree service experts, A & E Sowers, to help us remove some very large trees.  We complete the majority of our tree removals in-house, but when we can't take the tree down safely, the help of a company with all the right equipment is needed.

The first removal was the large Ash just to the left of #2 green.  This Ash has been in decline for the last few years and was on the list to be removed last winter, but due to weather conditions, we could not get to it. 

 

This tree was 120 years old, most likely one of the 5 oldest trees on the property.  I hate to see large trees go down just as much as the next person, but when a tree like this only has half the tree leaf out during the growing season, you know it has met the end and quickly becomes a safety hazard.

Before picture looking at the tree line left of #2 green.

After

 

There were 6 trees along the creek, left of #2 that were removed, all were in serious decline.  4 were Ash, 1 hollow Maple and 1 busted Buckeye from a storm last Fall.  We also removed the extremely large Maple between #1 green and #18 tee based on the recommendation of our Arborist and feedback from the Grounds Committee.

 

Removing one of those large trees is a good days work by most standards.  By setting up an efficient system and with FCC providing extra hands, we removed 7 trees in 8 hours, 5 of those being of significant size.  On Wednesday we spent the day grinding away the stumps of those trees.  The grindings from the Maple alone filled 2 1/2 dump trucks.

Course supplies

One of the many jobs we take on during the winter is refurbishing our course supplies - benches, ball washers, trash cans, tee markers, etc.  This week, Wayne has been working on some of these items while the remainder of the crew has been working on tree work.

All of the tee markers were sanded and dipped in a coat of epoxy to give it that "brand new" look.

Next project is refurbishing our benches, they will be cleaned, sanded, repaired and painted.

Tree removals

Last winter was not conducive for removing trees, this winter has been more comfortable and has allowed us to catch up on needed removals.  We've had multiple Ash trees decline over the last few years and will continue to see the slow decline.  With that in mind, it is inevitable that most of our Ash will be removed over time.

This Ash was on the right side of 13 approach.

One of the more noticeable removals will be this Ash.  This was the large tree on the inside corner of the fairway on 10, left side.

 

Other notable Ash removals this year included 4 trees along the right side of 3 fairway, the large Ash between 3 approach - 4 tee, also 3 Ash on the inside corner of 11 fairway near the bunker.

 

Winter, enjoy it before is leaves us!