One thing I've been looking into, is a tool that can root prune trees on the outer edges of the golf course. We have a number of areas where not only shade is an issue but also tree roots out-compete turf for water and nutrients. A prime example of this is on the right side of hole #5, about 120 yards from the green. The turf growing below those 3 or 4 White Pines is always thin and "droughty." When it comes to turf and trees, the trees will win every single time!
This machine penetrates the ground to a depth of 10" and severs the tree roots growing where turf is desired. We don't want to hurt the trees and therefore, it is necessary to stay outside the drip line of the trees. The drip line is the outer edge of where the tree's leaf canopy extends. In more simpler terms, if the tree was wet from rain, it's the outer edge of where the rain water drips off of leaves. On an upright growing pine tree, the drip line is closer to the trunk compared to an Oak or other wide growing deciduous tree. Interestingly, 90% or more of a tree's roots, are growing in the top 8" of soil. If you've ever seen an uprooted tree, this will make total sense to you. This is why it is only necessary to get to a 10" depth. Since this program is only used on an as needed basis in our case, it makes more sense to contract the work out, rather than purchase the machine outright.
You can see very little disruption is done using the machine.
You can also see how dramatic the difference can be in cases! The dark green turf to the right is no longer in competition for water and nutrients now that the tree roots were pruned.
Stay tuned for more information on this in early spring. We are working on booking a day or two for the contractor to come to Highlands CC and address a number of areas on the golf course. This is also a great program to reduce tree root damage to asphalt cart paths.