Tree Work Update

Our efforts to remove dead trees is ongoing and we are making great progress.  So far this winter we've made it through hole 16 getting dead trees we can access.  There are a few that we'll need dry or frozen conditions to get to, but we are well ahead of schedule with this process.  Most of the dead trees are hardwood so we are cutting them into firewood length pieces and stacking them behind our shop.  We are happy to have members come by and grab what they can use.  If you'd like some, reach out to me first and I'll guide you on the best route and time to get them.  

You will see some trees marked with ribbon.  Some of these are dead, but too big or dangerous for us to drop ourselves.  Some of them are alive, but causing trouble with the cart paths, irrigation lines, drainage, and turf.  As part of our ongoing effort to improve conditions, avoid major repair expenses, and make the course safer we have been working to identify problem trees. We may or may not remove all the trees currently marked, but the ribbons make it easy for contractors to provide quotes.  Where possible, we'll use a root pruner to avoid having to remove a tree.  In the past 5 years we have addressed this issue on holes 1 through 15.  We have trees marked on 16 and hope to make improvements there next.  Stump removals will occur once we get near the end of our winter tree work.  

This is what many of the dead/dying trees look like once cut

Dave, Mike, Will, and Alan on 16.  Dead trees were marked
in the fall before the leaves dropped

Alan setting up the chipper.  We just purchased
a bigger chipper from FLCA so tree work will be much easier

Pine trees close to concrete cause problems

This is a bone jarring bump that is also hurtful to carts and equipment.  Two 
sections of concrete will cost roughly $1800 to replace and the tree will 
eventually damage the new concrete.  Removing the tree will cost roughly $250.