Saturday, March 16, 2013

Tree Removal Update

The staff has been making great progress on the tree removal list.  After completing the removals at 14 tee we moved on to 9 green.  We are awaiting a piece of rental equipment that will make the process of removing the last few trees out of the ravine more efficient, and safer.  Right now the only way to remove the wood is by walking up a steep bank that is very slippery.  The rental machine is perfect for this type of work because it will pick up the wood and place it higher on the bank where we can then handle it.  I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures to share with you.  While #9 was on hold we've been able to remove the trees along the back right of 4 green, along the cart path at 17 tee, at the parking area for 8 green, and we are currently working to the left of 14 green.  Most of the removals are Ash trees that were killed by the Emerald Ash Borer, and the remainder are either native Cherry trees that have reached the end of their life span, or Oaks and Maples that are compromising turf health.  I've included some pictures below to illustrate our progress.


Creating more light and airflow left of 9 green

Cutting up trees in ravine at 9 green

4 green - before

4 green - after.  Trees removed back right of green

17 tee - before

17 tee - after

8 green.  Cutting up dead Ash tree

14 green.  Removing dead Ash trees and exposing original rock wall