Tree Management

The Tree Management Plan is organized hole by hole and by the level of impact the trees affect golf play. The trees are divided into four categories. Each category is determined by the level of importance the tree has on play. The four categories include: Significant Trees, Edge Trees, Tree in Play, and Trees not in Play. The focus for fertilization was Significant Trees. A Significant Tree in defined as follows: A tree that plays a very important role in how a hole is played. A tree that forces play to one side of a fairway or the approach to a green. The large American elm tree on #14 is an example. 

West Michigan Trees Services, with the Adam's supervision, went hole by hole and fertilizing the Significant Trees. Also, earlier this winter, West Michigan Trees pruned some of the courses taller trees, that were unreachable by the grounds department. 

Liquid Fertilizer Injector

Fertilizer Injector

#16 Fairway Red Oak

#7 Left Side Red Oak

#7 Right Side Red Oak

Brush Clearing

Brush clearing is just one of the many fall/winter maintenance practices the grounds staff periodically performs during the winter months.  Clearing underbrush from the course perimeters reestablishes course boundaries, prevents invasive species from encroaching into play areas, improves air flow to turf areas, and reduces competition thus enabling mature trees to flourish. Over the years, underbrush seeking sunlight and nutrients slowly creeps into play areas obscuring out-of- bounds markers, reducing airflow, and generally robs mature tress of moisture and nutrients.  In addition, it's important to continually thin or eliminate invasive species that block air movement and sunlight to play vital areas such as greens and tees.

Heavy underbrush encroaching play areas hazard stakes obscured.

Underbrush cleared aesthetic improvement of perimeter with hazards clearly defined. 

Eliminating underbrush improves health of mature trees

Spruce Trees Behind #14 Green

                                  

The trees behind #14 green have been slowly declining for many seasons. Recently the Board approved the removal of the four Spruce trees to improve the view from the patio.  Before the trees were blocking the clubhouse patio from seeing beyond #14 green but now, sitting on the patio means you can see a great view on our beautiful course. 

Before Removal

After Removal