Sun angle on #16 green in April
These graphics are from the Sun-seeker application on my iPhone. They show the sun angles on #16 green. Every spring, this green gets a great start because it receives ample morning sun. The picture above, is me standing on the center of the green. The sun rises and isn't impeded by tree shade until 1-2pm. This is ample sunlight for quality turf. Specifically, 5-6 hours of light between 7:00am-2:00pm.
As the season progresses and the sun angle changes, so does the quality of grass on the green. By Autumn, it receives less than 2 hours of sunlight per day. On top of that, foot traffic and wear is severely concentrated on this green. The turf begins to suffer because of it.
The basis of the tree study we recently did with Arborcom, is to study the specific trees that can be removed or pruned to allow light to reach the green during the critical daylight period of 7:00am-2:00pm. It is physically impossible to grow good grass without adequate light during this time frame. If we do get enough light, the grass is healthy and pesticides are not required at nearly the tight intervals that we are having to apply them. The benefit is both financial and environmental as well as increased member satisfaction.
Sun angle on #16 green in November.