Idlewild Tree & Beautification Fund

IDLEWILD TREE & BEAUTIFICATION FUND                                                                             MARCH 2016

 

                The Idlewild Tree & Beautification Fund is and has been instrumental in the continued improvement of the overall aesthetic beauty of the club.  Monies from the fund are used to address current issues and/or improve different areas of the clubhouse and golf course.  Winter tree work encompasses about 60-70% of the fund and the remaining is used to renovate landscaping, purchase new trees, and purchase tree related equipment.  Projects such as the renovation of the front entrance, tee box landscaping, and the work performed along Butterfield Creek are just some examples of the progress that has been made in the past through the use of the Tree & Beautification Fund.

                As stated above, a majority of the fund is used for tree work.  With a tree inventory of over 1800 trees a lot of foresight is needed in dealing with the Emerald Ash Borer, which has continued to ravage the Ash tree population.  With over 20% of our total population within the Ash tree family; it will require multiple years of removals to get this issue behind us.  The winter tree work was a success with over 70 infected trees removed.  The numerous wind/snow storms highlighted the large need for pruning of trees as well based on the amount of debris that has fallen from these storms.   The objective will be to continue to move forward with removals while addressing any safety issues first and foremost.  With so many trees within our borders, we could stand to lose a few trees and that would make a lot of golfers happy but at the same time we need to be vigilant in the replacement of priority trees that affect playability of the course in a positive way and/or serve as protection from the errant golf shot.

                Butterfield Creek will see some attention as we continually try to improve the visual appearance through tree removals and the addition of colorful landscape plantings in higher traffic areas.  This serves many benefits such as creek bank stabilization and increased air circulation to the turf in these areas.

                The Tree Memorial Program is a great opportunity for a member to honor someone and at the same time serve a valuable purpose to the great course we all love.  With the new tree planting, a bronze plaque will be installed at the base of the tree designation the tree as a Memorial Tree.  I look forward to the positive affect that I believe the Memorial Tree Program can have on both the golf course and in celebrating someone special.

                In closing, as the Golf Course Superintendent I truly appreciate the support of these two programs as they allow Idlewild Country Club to continue to move forward with respects to continued improvements in all areas of the club.  Thank you for your support!

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kurt Sams, CGCS

 

Transformation of the Landscaping at the Cart Staging Area

After the removal of the Ash Trees.  Next step was the removal of the junipers.

Emerald Ash Borer started the process by killing the Ash trees

Installation of the new landscaping material

A new & improved look for the area

With only a few more plants to install, the area has greatly improved its aesthetics.  Over the past several years we have updated the landscaping in areas to provide a more modern look that provides more color and appeal. 

Stump Grinding the Tree Removals



Stump Grinder at work

 

Say good bye to the skeletons we called willow trees along #11.

The tree work for the winter has been complete.  The only remaining step is to add soil to the stump holes and seed and/or sod.

Butterfield Creek Cleanup & Dead Tree Removals

Some tree removals are tricky with the water in play.  To cold for a swim!

Removal of Dead Trees along Butterfield Creek

Preparing the logs for a manageable size to pick up and remove.



Tree Removals & Cleanup!

The tree removals are complete for this winter but got a good video & pics of some sizable logs.  While I realize the Emerald Ash Borer is going to keep us busy removing Ash trees over the next few years, I hope we can take a break from the tree work and start maintaining some turf soon.  Here is to warmer weather and an early spring.

Front Entrance

Front Entrance





 

#13 Tee

Willow Trees from #11

Tree Removals

Yesterday we were able to remove 12 trees and get them chipped up.  With 10 remaining trees to remove, we will be putting a good push at completing the work today before the snow tomorrow covers the course.

Oak Tree at #13 Tee.





Oak Tree at #13 Tee.

Ash Tree removal at maintenance shop.

Tree clean up with chipper and log removal.

Tree clean up with chipper.

Removal of 3 Willow Trees along #11/Range area.

Emerald Ash Borer adds to the Winter Tree Work

The winter season is when we do the bulk of our tree work as it allows for us to be efficient with our time and not take away maintaining the golf course.  In November & December, we were able to remove over 40 trees that were either dead or damaged leaving us with around 25 trees that would require the services of a professional tree company.  Of the over 60 trees we are removing, 85% of them are ash trees that have been infected by the Emerald Ash Borer.


Infected ash tree.  The areas that are white in color are a sign of infection.

 

Notice the hole.  This is the entry point for the borer.

 The Emerald Ash Borer will infect the plant which will inhibit the trans location of water & nutrients from the roots to the rest of the tree.  Once infected the tree will die from the top of the tree down over a period of a few years.


3 Ash Trees have been removed by the cart staging area.



This area will be re landscaped in the spring.

In play areas on the course where trees have been removed, we will be planting new trees to help the areas transition into the future. 

Tree Removals

The winter season is when we get a majority of our tree work done but with the season extending and course cleanup 99% complete; we are getting a jump start on the tree removals.  As of today we have cut down & chipped 27 trees.  A majority of the removals this winter will be ash trees that have been infected by the emerald ash borer.

Tree cut down and limbed up for chipping.

The branches are put through the wood chipper.

Do you remember when trees were fun?

Oak Tree at #13 Tee

Over the past 3 years we have been applying some growth products to help extend its life but nature has taken its course and the old oak tree will have to be removed.  This tree will be missed but maybe it can give us an opportunity to create another tee box.


#13 Tee



Stump Grinding The Tree Removals

The stump grinding was completed today and the remaining cleanup will be done over the next few days.  Following the cleanup, we will back fill with soil and seed and/or sod.

Winter Tree Work

This winter we focused on trimming the low branches on the south side of Butterfield Creek.  The cleanup was completed by chipping the branches.

Redtail Hawk

The Redtail Hawk is supervising the tree work being performed on the southside of Butterfield Creek.  All the low branches are being trimmed and a few removals.  The Emerald Ash Borer has infected some of our Ash population and the removals are being performed to limit safety issues.  The major loss of these trees will be noticed at #8 tee.