Last new trees and cicadas

It took some extra time, but we finally finished our spring tree planting operation. The 5 remaining maples were placed between #5 and #7 fairways last week.

After some initial confusion back during our original planting date, the new trees arrived looking great. The 5 new trees are all red maples and really fill in the hill between holes nicely. Once mature, the new trees will provide a great screen for errant golf balls. These trees will also enhance the separation between holes. In the fall, the maples will really shine. As golfers make their way up the hill in #5 fairway, looking towards #7 will present beautiful fall colors.

It is great to get this planting out of the way. Hopefully, we will get some rain to help keep the trees hydrated.

On a separate note, we have had some questions regarding the cicadas. The process is actually winding down now, though it is not over yet. If you look around the property and see the tips of trees all brown that is because the female cicadas laid their eggs in those branches. Nearly all the trees will survive- they did find a couple of our newest, youngest trees, though nothing in our recent plantings- that may be more severely affected. Otherwise, aside from an annoyance, the cicadas have not really impacted the course at all.

If you look closely, you can see the
tips of the outer branches are brown. This
is from the female cicadas laying eggs.

More brown leaf tips

Brown leaf tips in one of our smaller trees

Zoom in and you will notice very small,
rice grain sized eggs in this branch.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be careful not to damage the lip of the cup when retrieving your ball after putting out.

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