The master plan must also assess trees as they relate to location, species desirability, aesthetics, safety, enframing qualities, screening, agronomics and playability issues. A careful and thorough review is important for play, maintenance and environmental qualities. The entire golf hole corridors need to be examined to see where trees may need to be removed, thinned or in some cases, planted. We can help develop a tree management program with course owners as part of the planning process.

The removal of trees on golf courses can sometimes be an emotional and controversial topic. However, with input from the golf course Superintendent, USGA Green Section Agronomist , Arborist and Golf Course Architect, science and rational can help provide answers and determine recommended solutions. Trees grow as turf does, but if left unchecked they can significantly alter desired playing values,golf corridors and diminish turf quality. Given the availability of water and fertilizer in the rootzone intended for use by the turfgrass plants, these materials create an ideal competitive growing environment for the trees; often exceeding normal growth rates compared to trees in a naturalized setting without irrigation and fertilization. Therefore, trees need to be monitored as part of the on-going improvement program.

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