7/22/2016 1:07 PM
I am sure many of you have had to tree impact conversations with your powers to be. I have been asked to develop a turf enhancement program as it relates to trees. I completed an inventory. I'm recommending ANY tree within 30' of any bentgrass surface or bunker needs to be removed to increase sunlight and air movement plus eliminate root competition. I chose 30' because it's the approx. drip line for our average tree. This approach would remove canopies from overhanging fairways and reduce tree litter from dropping into bunkers. I'd wanted to be more aggressive and recommend 50', but that would have resulted in 50%+ removal of tree population. I intentionally developed this recommendation to keep it black and white and avoid personal feeling towards certain trees. Impactful trees 31-50' from key areas would be placed on a root prune program.
I was able to photo shop the removals and provide an aerial view of the proposed finished product. My committee liked what they saw, but a few loose ends need to be tightened prior to pitching to Board. One key item, is my Committee wants 'other expert' documentation justifying my 30' distance or even recommending further distances from key areas.
I know there are many shapes and sizes of trees, but have any of you come across documentation that provides general recommendation on how close a tree should be to a key area? Other thoughts?
Thanks in advance