There have been many questions surrounding the tree we removed from the right side of ten fairway earlier this month. Let me begin by saying that this tree was not removed on a whim. Much discussion was had internally before the final decision was made to bring the tree down.
This particular Cotton Wood was nearing the end of it's life cycle. Statistically this species of tree will live to an average age of 60-70 years. This particular tree had already begun to show signs of it's age, as Phil had noticed branches being shed this time last year that were hollow or rotten inside. We also noticed areas of the tree that were lacking in blooms- another sign that a tree may be growing old.
At this stage in it's decline these things alone would have put it on our list for removal- albeit down the line, however, it was the trees proximity to the pump house that made the matter urgent. The downed branches I mentioned earlier hit the pump house when they fell. Our measurements of the distance and the angle at which the tree was already leaning showed that even in conservative predictions not just the branches but the main body of the tree would have hit the pump house roof- a blow the roof could not have withstood.
Were the tree to have fallen on the pump house, we would have lost more than just the thousands of dollars worth of essential equipment that it shelters. We would also have lost any number various pieces of maintenance equipment that are stored inside the building at any given time. I should also mention the immeasurable damage losing the pump house would cause to the entire course should the Cotton Wood have fallen during the golf season.
Weighing all the information we decided that removing the tree was in the best interest of everyone.
The plan for next year is to landscape the area around the pump house, as well as select a smaller variety of tree that can thrive in wet conditions to screen the pump house from the tenth tee. We are currently considering the same plan for the area behind seven green along the pond.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliott Dowling
