Tree Backup

One very important tree had a considerable loss. The maple tree in the fairway on number twelve lost a large branch. The branch left a huge wound in the side of the tree. Since this tree is integral to the layout of the hole, I brought in a certified arborist to give us an idea on what we could do to save this tree.

I knew that the loss of that tree would change the hole dramatically. I explained the importance to the arborist and he recommended that we plant a backup tree behind the existing tree and when the tree does indeed fail, we will already have a replacement established.

We decided to install a Sequoia. This is the only Sequoia tree on the golf course. This tree should give the hole some unique character. The tree is currently staked and we recommend that you take free relief if you are around the new tree. It will take a little time for it to adapt to its new environment.

If you have any questions please contact me.

Justin Ruiz, CGCS, MG

justinr@indiansummergolf.com

 

Spring Sting

Believe it or not the first day of spring was today. I know it was hard to tell with the snow mixed with rain. Although yesterday it was sunny while the snow fell. So that has to be the sign that spring is here. Well another good barometer for judging the arrival of spring is the germination of annual plants. Stinging Nettle is one that we have a lot of during the season along the border of the golf course.

Stinging Nettle seems to be everywhere. The plant is apparent in fertile soils that have been recently disturbed. Makes pretty good sense. When the golf course was built there was some good amount of disturbance along the border of the golf course along along the wooded areas. It seems to be like a wall of Nettles in some places. Since we have done a lot of storm clean up along the border of the course, the additional disturbance I felt would produce a generous crop of the nettles.

This spring we are trying to act while the plant is young and control the weed with a selective herbicide to give us some relief. If the plant rubs against your skin most people feel a stinging sensation that becomes very itchy later. This is not an ideal situation for a golfer that would like to look for a shot that rolls just off the border of the turf. We are trying to act early to catch the plant young and also avoid the time at which new leaves begin to start on the shadowing trees.

If you have any questions about our weed control strategy or if you have any comments about the course please feel free to contact me.

Justin Ruiz, CGCS, MG

Justinr@indiansummergolf.com

 

Winter Storm Vol. 2 (Oak Removal)

Here is some pictures to illustrate the removal of the Oak tree that had fallen against the clubhouse.  It was quite a project. The crane carried the guy up to get in place to begin making strategic cuts for the crane to lift pieces off of the tree and reduce the weight of the tree.

It was a tedious job and took most of the day to position the crane and make the proper cuts.  To give you an idea the tree weighed rough 60,000 lbs and the crane could safely lift around 2000-3000 lbs at a time.
The trunk of the tree measured about 12 ft in circumference at the base.  A guess at the age of the tree was roughly 150 yrs old.

If you have any questions or comments about the tree removal or would like to know about the clean up that is happening on the golf course over the next few weeks please contact me.

Justin Ruiz, CGCS, MG

Justinr@indiansummergolf.com