On Course

We have spent the last week implementing the first phase of the Tree Management Plan that the club had done by Strata Point Inc.  This first phase has us removing all hazardous trees or those that are showing signs of decay.  We are also moving forward with decreasing our population of Ash trees now while we can do removals in an affordable (in-house) way.

Along with the removal plan, Strata Point has identified areas of the course where we could add approximately 125 trees.  One of the main goals in replacing trees is to increase the diversity of tree Species which in turn will provide the club's property with a healthier tree population.


What we are seeing in a number of the trees is severe decay or structural issues.  The tree to the right shows one of the multi-stemmed trees.  These trees have multiple leaders that are competing with each other and contain included bark, all of which produce a structurally weak tree.  These trees are very susceptible to storm damage.

As you can see in the photo to the left the tree has a large cavity at the base of the tree.  What you can't see is this particular tree is approximately 75 feet high and the cavity extended up through the main trunk.  This type of structural deficiency creates a very unpredictable situation when the tree faces environmental stresses.

The opening you see is actually the front door for a penthouse suite for two squirrels.  They made a hasty exit when they found out the building had been condemned.

You can see in the photo on the right  more of the severe decay this Ash tree had.  When the tree hit the ground the trunk split in half.

           

                                                                                                                                                                                 You can see this tree has a large seam running up one side of the tree.  This was probably the result of being probably struck by lightning at one time.  We will keep you posted on our progress and the different issues that arise as we move forward.