One of the main projects for this winter has been tree removal and trimming back underbrush and rhododendrons. While I have detailed the trimming and removal in past posts, I have not adequately detailed the scope of the project that we have undertaken.
Over the years a significant amount of trees have encroached on the playing area. Some of these trees started out as volunteers and some have been there for years. However, the nature of the tree removal has been to remove trees that are either decayed and dying or because they inhibit turf growth due to excessive shade. By the time we are done, we will have removed about 100 large trees, primarily on the front nine.
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| Some of the tree removal has required the service of professional arborists. |
Felling 100 large trees is in itself a major project for our staff, but the work doesn't stop once the trees are down. After the trees are down, they are cut up and the branches sent through the chipper. If it is a hardwood, we cut the wood and split it into firewood where we use it to heat the maintenance facility. If it is a softwood then we chip what we can and the rest is hauled off to the dump.
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| Split firewood for heating the maintenance building and material being readied to be hauled away. |
Once the tree is removed we are left with the stump. If the stump is off in the woods, then we cut it flush and leave it. If it is within the turf, then we remove the stump. Generally, a large hole needs to be dug to get the stump loose so that it can be removed. The resulting hole is filled in with dirt and sod is installed. The stump is then hauled away to the dump. Some of the larger stumps can take nearly a day to remove. Leaving the stump is not an option (even if we grind it down) as the decaying wood makes growing grass difficult and eventually causes a hole to form.
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| Roots being pruned from a large oak stump. |
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| A large hole needs to be dug to remove the stump. |
This has been a major undertaking for our staff but one that will reap benefits far into the future. Those that have seen our work have been excited about what they see.
