We are in the planning phase of tree work to alleviate shade stress on some areas of Bermuda grass. In accordance with the Bretton Woods Tree and Turf Management Policy (shown in full at the end of post, along with a Bermuda grass health-specific addendum) we have selected 19 trees across the golf course that restrict the growth potential of the Bermuda grass and therefore impact turf health.
We have examined each of these areas and the relationship
between the tree(s) and the turf in each location. These trees are not integral
to the shape of the hole or to the way it was designed to be played. Similarly,
none of these scenarios lends itself to replacing the turf species underneath
the tree in order for the tree to remain. So, because the goal is to have the best
combination of turf and trees at Bretton Woods, in these instances, the
trees must be removed to promote healthy turf grass.
We plan on starting this work in the late fall and winter of
2021 into 2022. The various trees slated for removal are spread across the
property, with no more than 3 trees being removed from any one hole, and
several holes with no work being performed. It may not be possible to remove all these
trees in one season, depending on weather and time. However, establishing this
plan gives us the framework to complete this turf health initiative at
different times without losing sight of the goal- improved turf health and
course playability.
Though 19 less trees may seem dramatic, it is important to
remember that since 2014 we have planted over 200 trees on the Bretton Woods
property, with another 14 scheduled to be planted this spring alone, nearly
covering the entire loss of the removal project being discussed. And, while
following our aforementioned tree policy, we have improved the maintenance of
our existing tree population by selecting improved species for planting and
removing dead or diseased trees as needed.
We have not rushed into the decision to remove these trees.
It is in the best interest of the health and playability of the golf course for
the selected trees to be removed. By sticking to our tree policy, we will
continue to make these informed decisions to improve the property.
Bretton Woods Tree and Turf
Management
Background:
Bretton Woods Recreation Center is a valuable resource providing its
members access to a natural
setting for the enjoyment of organized sports activities and other
outdoor areas for less formal
recreation, such as picnics and camps. The natural setting located not
far from a major urban area makes
it especially rare in these times of densely developed land, typical
of metropolitan areas. With the
intention of continuing the tradition of giving members a respite from
the hectic urban life in a cared for
but natural setting, members of the Golf Committee, the Grounds
Superintendents and management
have formulated a tree and turf management policy as the foundation of
a plan to ensure that natural setting through the ongoing care and cultivation
of trees.
Objectives:
1.
Continue the Bretton Woods “low input” IPM
approach through judicious planting and species selection.
2.
Promote safe recreation through diligent care and
removal of hazardous branches and trees.
3.
Ensure a balance between trees and turf health.
Tree and
Turf Care:
- Routine inspection of trees will be
performed by the Grounds Staff
- Upon discovery of declining or stressed
trees, the Golf Course Superintendent (GCS) will determine and
prioritize the need for Certified
Arborist inspection and evaluate the need for care. Factors of safety, cost
and importance shall guide the
evaluation, in this order.
- Particular attention shall be given to
girdling roots and properly cut to relieve pressure when discovered.
- New tree planting locations will be
carefully selected in order not to unnecessarily compete with turf health.
Mulch around trees will help improve the tree health; careful placement of
trees will help reduce negative impacts to turf.
- Assessments of existing trees and their
impact to turf health and course conditions; pruning, removal of tree, or
adjustment of turf are steps that may be taken on an ongoing basis.
- Dense, thick foliage can make trees
susceptible to wind damage. Pruning will be used to improve their life
expectancy and reduce risk.
- Pruning and removing limbs on low branching
species will benefit trees and turf.
- Tree management best practices indicate that
trees that have been damaged more than 1/3 should be priorities for
consideration of removal because they pose safety hazards.
- Limbs or trees posing a safety risk will be
immediately remedied through pruning, removal, or bracing.
Planting:
- The need for planting, species selection and
location will be determined by the Green Committee, General
Manager and GCS.
- Diversity is a goal of any planting plan at
BWRC, however species appearing on the Maryland Department
of the Environment Noxious Weed List will
not be planted on BWRC property.
- Planting stock will be of 4” caliper or
equivalent whenever possible, with exceptions made on an as
needed basis.
Overall, golf is to be played on the best
turfgrass possible. Where trees conflict with that approach, we determine the
best management strategy. Sometimes, creating more space between the tree and
the grass, by adding more rough, which handles shade stress better, is the best
approach. Other times, removing the tree is the best way to enhance the turf
quality.
Based on our Tree policy, there is a need for
some trees to be removed to promote the best growing conditions possible for
the Bermuda grass. Trees have been selected for removal due to their proximity
to the turf at tees and around fairways. The shade and competition from tree
roots negatively impact the health of the Bermuda grass. In these locations, it
is neither possible to adjust the line of the fairway or tee to accommodate the
tree, as we have done in other locations, nor are these trees critical to the
shape of the hole, as are some other trees we have salvaged.
We have identified 19 trees spread across the
golf course in need of removal. These trees:
1.
Are not
integral to shaping of the hole
2.
Cannot
easily have the turf species changed around them to instead leave the tree in
place
In some instances, replacement trees may be
planted in similar locations to those removed. If so, the new tree will be
placed in a position to not interfere with the health of the Bermuda grass. It
may also be the case that a location for a replacement tree cannot be found at
the site of the removal. However, we continue to add additional trees throughout
the property to make up for trees lost.
We will be resuming weekly posts starting in March. Thank you
Etiquette Reminder of the Month
Please avoid walking through overly saturated or puddled
areas on greens if possible.
Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve
course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course
etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:
Ball
Marks - How to properly repair
See you on the course!
Joe
jvillegas@bwrc.org
