Above, a tree climber is removing lower limbs from trees hanging out towards the 7th fairway.
I realize tree work doesn't always do wonders for my popularity most of the time. Many wonder why we need to take down what appear to be healthy trees. Some go to the extent of pleading with the workers not to remove a specific tree. Rather than cover the background of why we remove trees, which I've done numerous times on the blog, I want to show you a few examples of unhealthy trees on the property that resulted from the Club's lack of commitment to a tree program for many years. In short, we are having to work "over time" to get caught up. Unfortunately, Highlands CC lacks very few, if any, "majestic trees." I define a majestic tree as a large, healthy, symmetric tree, like many of the Red and White Oaks you will find in the mountains. Majestic trees result when they receive ample sunlight, and adequate sunlight that is only attainable when they are growing in an environment free of competition. Overcrowded populations of trees result in many trees competing for a set quantity of resources. In short, we wind up with numerous 'not so pretty' trees rather than a few majestic trees. Look at the following pictures between holes #7 and #8. I drew yellow arrows to better define the trees.
1. Above: This Oak tree could be beautiful. However, it's only 1/2 a tree. All of the limbs are growing on the left side because of the over crowding on the right side. Now, this tree is a candidate to fall during a storm because the weight isn't evenly distributed around the whole tree.
2. Above: Competition was so severe on this tree that it only has 2 branches! Anytime a plant has limited sunlight, it grows leggy and lack branches. Trees growing in full sun will have ample branching and leaves because leaves are used to make food via photosynthesis.
3. Below: This tree is essentially "reaching for sunlight." Scientifically, there is more to it, but it realized long ago that if it were to survive, it would need to grow in such a way to receive sunlight. It is another prime candidate to fall during a storm because of the poor weight distribution.
This gives you an idea of what is happening above ground. Now, picture the root system. All of these trees have roots that are intertwined below the turf that are competing for the same water and same soil available nutrients.
Above, is the actual chemical reaction of photosynthesis. You can't argue science. A tree (or any plant) uses carbon dioxide and water (and nutrients) to produce sugars (plant food) and Oxygen. If any of these resources are limited, the tree will never develop into the majestic tree that it has the potential for. At Highlands CC, our tree lined fairways are comprised of trees that show obvious evidence of overcrowding and competition. For many of these trees, it's too late. However, proper pruning and removal in areas is something that can't be ignored because the benefits are numerous. After all, it's a golf course, a game played on turf. I'll end with my favorite quote:
"There is a reason you don't see dense tree cover on great golf courses and a reason you won't find quality turf at an arboretum."