Why Do We Cut Down Trees?

   Trees are an integral part of our landscape. On golf courses, however, over planting and overcrowding create problems with turf agronomics, playability and tree health. Many turf experts say that the leading cause of turf problems start with trees. Grass needs air, light, and water to grow, and shade problems as well as tree roots lead to turf thinning and decline. Many of the top 100 golf courses in America have gone through major tree removal work. Locally, Pine Valley, Tavistock, Riverton, Moorestown Field Club, and Merion have seen their turf improve immensely by removing trees that shade important turf areas. Quality turf needs at least 7-9 hours of sunlight a day with morning and evening hours being the most important. The USGA has been here to evaluate our course and its turf issues. They have given us a detailed plan and written recommendations to improve these areas. Medford Lakes Country Club is committed to quality play and selective removal of some trees will help improve conditions.

Fred Heinkel
Member
MLCC Green Committee

Why don't we do special projects on the course before 7 AM when play starts?

    I am sure you are speaking to the work on the 9th Green last month which was done during the middle of the day. While we understand that we may inconvenience a small group of players on a given day, it is not possible with our staffing levels and the amount of daylight in the morning to do special projects AND prepare the course for the day prior to the start of play. We could have closed the green for the day to accommodate the work, but the effort needed to prepare a temporary green would be the same as the project itself. Unfortunately, some play was affected and we apologize for that. The work was completed in short order and the green has improved. Consult the White Board at the 1st tee for upcoming projects and plan your play accordingly.

Mark MaGrann - VP Green Committee