ALDWICKBURY PARK GOLF CLUB TREE PLANTING ~ 5 YEAR PLAN

Transcription

1 ALDWICKBURY PARK GOLF CLUB TREE PLANTING ~ 5 YEAR PLAN Issue: 2 ~ May 2014

2 0. Contents 0. Contents Document History Tree Planting Plan Tree Planting Objective Proposal Consultation Project Scope... 4 Project Project Project Tree Species Planting Requirements Tree Planting s Donations from Club Sections, Members & Families Tree Maintenance Preservation of Self Set Trees... 8 Appendix A - Tree Planting Plan ~ Park Course Layout... 9 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 8 (Fairway) Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 8 (Green) Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 2

3 1. Document History Issue 1A July 2009 First Draft for discussion Eric Wyllie & Stuart Langhorn Issue 1B January 2010 Tree species added to appendix following meetings & quotation from Majestic Trees. Eric Wyllie & Stuart Langhorn Issue 1C February 2010 Donation of Trees and minor changes to the appendix following review of document. Eric Wyllie & Stuart Langhorn Issue 2 May 2014 Updated with progress from inception of plan Eric Wyllie & Paul Harris 2. Tree Planting Plan The Tree Planting Plan is owned by the Aldwickbury Park Head Green Keeper, (Stuart Langhorn) in association with the Gentlemen s Committee (Eric Wyllie). 3. Tree Planting 3.1 Objective Selectively reintroduce new trees to re-establish wooded areas and vistas of the original course design. In addition, create new plantations and selective smaller groups of trees that blend with existing tree lines for greater definition, safety and alleviate over time the need for large areas of deep rough. 3.2 Proposal The Park Course is an un-spoilt natural aspect with splendid views over open country side. It is paramount that any tree planting blends well with the current scene. Therefore this proposal recommends the planting of historically authentic specimen replacement trees in areas of loss. Planting in other areas should be subtle and aesthetic, transplanting/encompassing (where possible) young self set trees to provide infill and greater definition. Seek Forestry Commission grant for planting of large areas, currently covered by rough grass. Self set trees will be encouraged in areas of planting and thinned once the plan has been implemented. In addition, it is proposed the club encourage Members to sponsor a tree. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 3

4 3.3 Consultation Course Designer ~ the Tree Planting Plan draft proposal should be reviewed with the Course Designer (Ken Brown) for his comments on suitability and harmony with the original design concepts. Arborist/Tree Specialist/Consultant ~ the tree planting plans should be reviewed with a tree expert to ascertain the most suitable trees species for the locations covered in the plan. Burhill Management ~ once firm plans in place consult with Burhill Management re suitability and budgets. Club Members ~ once the above consultations have been completed provide the Membership with the opportunity to view the proposed tree planting plan. 4. Project Scope Project Course Survey ~ Undertake a course survey to identify tree planting areas and current tree species. Action Taken ~ The course survey was performed on 29 th June 09. The most common trees to be found around the course are as follows: Oak, Ash, Hornbeam, Scots Pine, Lime, Field Maple and Beech. Other varieties (in smaller numbers) include: Copper Beech, Sycamore, Cedar of Lebanon, Blackthorn/Sloe, Hazel, Sweet Chestnut, Wellingtonia, Silver Birch and Hawthorn. The latter two species have been introduced by the club (previous owner) in planting schemes on the back 9 of the course Visit Majestic Trees ~ ascertain tree costs, sizes and possible collaboration deal over the life of the plan. Action Taken ~ A visit was made to Majestic Trees on the 28 th July. We were shown around their site at Chequers Hill, Flamstead by Sara Phillips, Sales Manager. There is an extensive stock of tree species ranging in height from 6-8 feet upwards. Small trees are purchased by Majestic and grown in special plastic containers, once established, approx. every couple of years they are progressively transplanted into larger containers until they are sold or become almost too large to transport. We discussed Tree pricing/sizes and transportation costs prior to agreeing a site visit by Majestic (Sarah, Consultant). We consider that a site visit is essential to move the project forward, show our intent to proceed and to firm up on tree species for the Park Course. The cost of a Site Visit Consultation is 50.00/hour. It is anticipated no more than two hours would be required Seek financial approval for the Consultancy expenditure from the Captain and Gents Committee by end 1 st week August. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 4

5 Action Taken ~ Agreement received Arrange a mutually acceptable date with Majestic (Sarah, Tree Specialist/Consultant) to visit the Park Course to review in more detail tree requirements and locations. Action Taken ~ Meeting arranged for Wednesday 19 th August. received end of September for evaluation. No consultation fees charged. Quotation Action Taken ~ following discussions with Ken Brown, the course designer, with his experiences of tree planting at Harpenden Common GC re transplants verses whips, the club decided to try transplants from its tree Nursery and whips on smaller scale. This decision was taken due to the high initial cost of new Trees from Majestic Trees and the management of so many new trees, at one time, across the course. Project 2 Produce a draft five year tree planting plan ~ The plan shall be prioritized on a hole by hole basis for consultation. Complete by end of September 09. Action Taken ~ Draft 1A produced for consultation with Majestic Trees. Project 3 Produce a fully costed and budgeted tree planting proposal for consultation and approval with Management, the Course Designer (subject to availability) and Members. Action Taken ~ Proposed budget for the five year plan submitted in October, proposal received outline agreement from Burhill Senior Management, in November 09. Action Taken ~ Production of Draft 1B for consultation with the course Designer delayed due to unexpected security issues and course commitments. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 5

6 Project 4 Management of Existing Park Course Trees ~ The survey of tree species undertaken on the 29 th June revealed that many of the course boundary trees (particularly along the left hand side of the 16 th fairway) are suffering from ivy infestation. An Oak and a Scots Pine appear to be almost completely covered and may be dead and are likely to topple over in adverse weather. The Poplar tree entwined by ivy which fell onto the 5 th Fairway of the course on Sunday 2 nd August is evidence of how ivy smoothers a tree making it unstable. Ivy grows up to 4 feet a year (depending on ground conditions) it does not live directly off the trees nutrients simply using the tree for support. Once in the upper reaches of the tree where the canopy is thin ivy develops into its arboreal form Fraxinus producing flowers and fruit. The more open a trees crown the more likely it is to suffer heavy infestation. Ivy inhibits and distorts the trees growth, preventing it growing into an elegant specimen, as a result the tree may die prematurely. Ivy will often hide the early signs of decay making the tree a potential safety hazard. Once a trees upper canopy has been infested there is little that can be done to save the tree. Action: Removal of Ivy from Existing Trees ~ Form a Working Party of Green Staff and Members (volunteers) to assist in cutting and removing the ivy runners at ground level to prevent infestation spreading and distorting the trees. To be undertaken by: Stuart Langhorn/Tim Fox, Club Captain. Some work to remove Ivy from trees at the back of 15 th green and left hand side of 16 th Fairway undertaken. 5. Tree Species Trees species chosen, following discussion with Majestic Trees and environmental consultant, are as follows: Quercus robur - Oak; Fagus sylvatica - Common Beech; Carpinus betulus - Hornbeam; pinus sylvestris - Scots Pine; Fraxinus angustifolia Raywood - Golden Autumn Tints - Ash; Acer campestre - Field Maple; Fagus sylvatica Purpurea - Copper Beech; Fraxinus excelsior. jaspidea - Purple Autumn Tints - Ash, Corylus colurna - Turkish Hazel; Prunus avium Plena - Wild Cherry. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 6

7 6. Planting Requirements 6.1 Mulching ~ mulching of the planting hole is essential to provide the tree with an environment that encourages root growth assisting the tree establish itself in its new location. Recommended by Majestic Fertiliser Tablets and Tree & Shrup Compost 6.2 Protective Collar ~ new planted trees shall be fitted with an expanding protective collar around the base of the trees trunk to prevent attack by vermin. 6.3 Staking ~ each tree shall be staked to ensure it remains stable during its first three years. 6.4 Root Watering ~ perforated pipes to be positioned 1M on either side of the root ball at the bottom of the planting hole. Regular watering of the trees is important during the first two years after planting. 7. Tree Planting s Produce a course map showing proposed tree locations, species, number and size of tree to be planted. Please see Appendix A. 8. Donations from Club Sections, Members & Families Burhill will be pleased to manage requests from Club Sections wishing to recognize a Members past service by the planting of a tree or requests received from family members wishing to plant a tree in memory of a loved one or donate money towards the Tree Planting program. In the latter situation names will be entered onto an honours list. 9. Tree Maintenance Maintenance of the existing trees is of paramount performance to the club management, seeking guidance from an independent government agency. The agency undertook a survey of the course and produced an environmental report. The report provides guidance for the ongoing maintenance of the woodland and measures to enhance it. One key recommendation is to open up the large woodland adjacent to the clubhouse to improve the wild life habitat. Thinning out of existing woodland and the removal of some lower branches of new trees will be undertaken to encourage tree growth. This procedure enables trees to form into their natural shape, reducing misshapen and weak trees. These management procedures are proven to encourage wild life into the woodland, contrary to popular opinion. Work has been started along the 10 th and 11 th fairways to provide more space for the larger specimens and some of the smaller cops. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 7

8 Watering of new trees will be necessary in the first two years; this will be undertaken on a regular basis, particularly during the summer months. Growth of grass around young and newly planted trees will be kept under control by regular cutting of the rough around the trees and applying some chemicals. Grass can impair the growth of young trees by as much as 40%. It is planned to create a tree inventory, providing approx. age, location and size, of the existing (larger) trees and newly planted stock. The inventory will help in the planning of maintenance activities. 10. Preservation of Self Set Trees Due to the high number of self-set trees that establish themselves in the rough each year, around the course, a conscious effort will be made by the Green Keeper preserve these self-sets where ever possible when cutting the rough. Up-date spring 2014 ~ The self-set trees that have been left to grow in the rough on various hole have shown great promise. Some thining of these trees has been undertaken to the left of the 14 th and 17 th holes due to the fast growth of the Ash and Oaks in these areas. The Ash and Oak to the left of the 3 rd hole are typical examples of careful management of self-set trees to enhance the course. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 8

9 Appendix A - Tree Planting Plan ~ Park Course Layout File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 9

10 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 1 Replace lost (8) Beech Trees. Since the course was opened in 1995 the cops of mature Beech trees on the left of the fairway, between 296 and 187 yards from the green, has diminished through disease and the dryer conditions of the last ten years. The rough has become more prominent as the trees have been removed. The objective of the replanting is to replace the cops to its old format. A mixed tree species will be used. View looking down the fairway to the green Planting & Description The following trees will be placed randomly to reintroduce the original cops. Qty Tree Species & cultivar 1/ 3 Quercus robus (English Oak) 1/ 4 Fagus sylvatica (Common Beech) 1/ 3 Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) Girth in cm Update ~ Whips were planted Winter 2010 and again in 2012 and a high percentage have taken well. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 10

11 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 2 Self set Ash trees will be encouraged. Self set Ash trees to the Right of the Ladies tee (red spot) on both sides of the roadway will be thinned out and encouraged to grow on this open ground. No other planting planned. View on Left hand side looking back at the Ladies tee File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 11

12 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 3 Improve definition and 2 nd tee safety. Allow self set (Oak/Ash) trees to grow up in the left hand rough (see photo below). In addition, provide trees adjacent to the old winter green. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & cultivar 3/ 3 Quercus robur (English Oak) Girth in cm 2014 Update ~ Self-sets Ash & Oak trees have been allowed to grow in the rough between the 2 nd /3 rd holes and are develop well. Looking back towards the Ladies 3 rd tee from the green File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 12

13 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 4 Increase safety and definition. 1. The addition of trees located out from the right hand copse to provide greater protection of players on the 3 rd Tee. To be considered, not a priority. 2. Provision of a small group of trees prior to the old winter green, left of Ladies 5 th Tee, to provide protection from balls off the back (white) 5 th Tee. See photo below. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & Cultivar 4/ 2 Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) 4/ 3 Fraxinus ang. Raywood (Ash) or Hornbeam or Oak? Girth in cm Update ~ Tree planting has not been a priority to date. However, the Flower Meadow to the right hand side of the fairway, beyond the trees (136 yard point), is now providing a very diverse array of wild flowers. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 13

14 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 5 Increase visual difficulty and safety of the hole. 1. At the 205 yard point place a number of trees out from the boundary towards the fairway and green to infill the gap in the hedge. The trees will give the impression of narrowing the fairway and providing some protection to the footpath running along the other side of the boundary fence. 2. Provide addition trees at a later date. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & cultivar 5/ 3 Acer campestre (Field Maple) 5/ Girth in cm 2014 ~ has not been a priority to date. View across the 5 th Fairway towards the boundary 205 yards from the green, tee side of the Blackthorn. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 14

15 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 6 Replace Lone Ash Tree. The fairway at the 87 yard point has become wider since the course was built due to two tree issues. The lone Ash tree at this point is diseased and has lost most of its original canopy. An adjacent Ash across the fairway was removed for safety reasons. A group of trees will be planted around the Ash, out from the left hand canopy, to restore the original appearance of the hole from the fairway. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & cultivar 6/ 3 Fagus sylvatica Purpurea (Purple Beech) 6/ 4 Acer campestre (Field Maple) 6/ 3 Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) Girth in cm Up-date ~ Transplanting of Nursery trees was undertaken by the lone Ash. Hornbeam and Oaks were transplanted in the Winter of In 2012, whips were planted in the left hand side rough between the 6 th /1 st Fairways, from the old pathway and the 215 yard point, with a very high success rate. looking up the 6 th fairway towards diseased Ash tree File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 15

16 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 7 Improve safety and definition. Extend the canopy out from the wood on the right hand side of the tees between the 7 th Tee and 6 th fairways to provide definition and reduce stray balls from the 7th tee crossing the 6 th fairway. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & cultivar 7/ 3 Corylus colurna (Turkish Hazel) 7/ 3 Fagus sylvatica Purpurea (Purple Beech) 7/ 2 Quercus robur (English Oak) 7/ 3 Fraxinus ang. Raywood (Ash) Girth in cm Update ~ In 2010, a mix of whip species (Oak, Beech, Field Maple) were planted along the left hand side of the 6 th /7 th fairways. The initial success rate was poor requiring replacement of 50% of the whips the following Winter. It is the intension to beef up this area with Transplanted trees in 2014/15. Spring 2014, 8 Hornbeam transplants from the 10 th wood were planted in the left hand rough. These transplants were planted a little late in the season and have been extensively watered and are showing promise. Failures will be replaced Winter 2014/15. View of rough on right hand side of 7 th tees from cart path File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 16

17 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 8 (Fairway) Improve definition, difficulty and safety Extend the canopy out from the wood into the fairway around the 215 yard point (large single Ash) to improve hole definition and difficulty. This new group of trees will enable the provision of a shallower gradient (safer/easier) pathway from the 6 th Green to the 7 th tee round the outside of the existing trees. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & Cultivar 8/ 3 Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) 8/ 3 Acer campestre (Field Maple) 8/ 2 Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) 8/ 3 Fraxinus exc. Jaspidea (Ash) Girth in cm Update ~ A mix of whip species (Oak, Beech, Field Maple) were planted on the left hand side of the 8th, beyond the bunkers, to the 215 yard point in Due to a 50% loss of young trees further planting of replacement whips was undertaken in The highest percentage of failures were Beech whips, these were avoided in replanting. These young trees are now doing well. More whips were planted in 2013, beyond the 215 yard point but there have been a high number of failures. View of single Ash to the left hand side of 8 th fairway File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 17

18 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 8 (Green) Improve definition and safety Plant trees around the contour of the green, in the rough on the right hand side, from the 29 yard point (three Ash trees), towards the 9 th tees. This group of trees will provide a back drop between the Green and the 9 th Tees providing greater definition and reducing the chance of a stray ball reaching the 9 th teeing ground. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & Cultivar 8/ 2 Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) 8/ 3 Fagus sylvatica Purpurea (Purple Beech) 8/ 3 Prunus avium Plena (Wild Cherry) 8/ 2 Quercus robur (English Oak) 8/ 2 Acer campestre (Field Maple) Girth in cm 2014 Update ~ Gorse was planted in 2012 with little success. In Spring 2014, self-set Hornbeams have been planted, initial results are very encouraging File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 18

19 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 9 Increase definition of the hole. Plant trees in the thick rough, left of the Ladies Tee, to extend the small cops back towards 9 th yellow Tee. Please refer to the planting plan explained for the 8 th Hole Green on previous page. Planting & Description Tree Tree Species & Cultivar 9/ Description as for perimeter of 8 th green Update ~ In 2012 a large number of whips, mostly Field Maple, were planted in the rough to the left hand side of the 1 st Teeing ground. These new whips are growing very well and complementing the self-set Oaks further to the left of the 1 st /6 th rough Plant trees, as for Hole 8 (green) plan, at the back of the green, in the rough, on both sides. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 19

20 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 10 No planting planned for this hole. Following receipt of the course environmental report, the left hand side rough may be opened up by clearing out some of the scrub. Removing the scrub will allow the Copper Beech and Oaks to provide shape to the left hand side of the fairway rather than the current wall of green (see photo). Clearance of scrub to the left hand side of the 5 th green has improved the visual appearance of the hole, see photo on right below. Planting & Description Tree Tree Species & cultivar 10/ No planting planned 2014 Update ~ removal of scrub along the 10 th left fairway was undertaken in 2011, but the growth of self-sets has been very progressive, some have been redeployed elsewhere. The single Ash (145 yard point) was beefed up in 2012 with addition whips. Wood on left hand side of 10 th Fairway. View of the left hand side of the 5 th green following scrub removal File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 20

21 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 11 Increase difficulty and safety of the hole. Extend the canopy (cops) out from behind the 14 th white tee, by the large Oak, towards the fairway, encompassing the single Ash tree approx. 62 yards from the green (see photo below). This planting will encourage golfers to play the dog leg, as designed, rather than cutting the corner. It is anticipated that the planting will reduce the number of golf balls landing on or adjacent to the 14 th Tees. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & cultivar 11/ 3 Fraxinus exc. jaspidea (Ash) 11/ 3 Acer campestre (Field Maple) 11/ 3 Quercus robur (Oak) Girth in cm 2014 Update ~ a large number of whips were planted, in Winter 2012/13, in the right hand rough, between the 163 & 120 yard points with a very high success rate. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 21

22 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 12 Increase difficulty and safety of the hole. 1. Remove the self set trees to the right of the white Tee to allow the existing trees, planted around 10 years ago, space to grow. 2. The specimen tree to the right of the gap in the hedge (220 Yard) will be made more prominent by cutting back some of the scrub. 3. Due to the poor growth of the Gorse, approx. 106 yards from the green, consideration is being given to the planting of a small group of trees as the gourse is not native to the course. This is a longer term view, in the short term, the Gorse will be cut back to encourage stronger growth Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & cultivar 12/ 2 Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) 12/ 2 Fraxinus ang. Raywood (Ash) 12/ 1 Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) Girth in cm Update ~ self-set trees, Hawthorn and mainly Ash, have been preserved along the left hand side of the fairway adjacent to the 4 th Flower Meadow. Note 2 Note 3 File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 22

23 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 13 No changes planned for this hole Planting & Description Tree Tree Species & cultivar 13/ No Planned planting File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 23

24 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 14 Improve definition at the rear of the hole from the green. A number of trees have been planted in the area behind the 14 th Green. No further planting is planned in the short term. Planting & Description Tree Tree Species & cultivar 14/ No Planned planting 2014 Update ~ A high number of self-set Ash trees dominate the left hand side of the fairway and in the rough to the left of the green. Self-set Oaks at the back of the gare growing well. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 24

25 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 15 Increase difficulty and safety of the hole. Trees to the left hand side of the fairway are in poor condition, making little growth since planting. Planting additional and or replacing existing trees more suited to the ground conditions is a long term option. Planting & Description Tree Tree Species & cultivar 15/ No Planned Planting 15/ File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 25

26 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 16 The new cops of trees, right hand side, adjacent to the bunkers around the 233 yard point from the green, are growing well. Although some of the trees do not fit in with the natural vista there are no plans to replace or plant any more trees along the fairway. The old Oak tree to the right of the green, shown in the adjacent course picture, was cut down and replaced, in 2008, by a Golden Ash Planting & Description Tree Tree Species & cultivar Cod6e 16/ No Planned Planting File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 26

27 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 17 Increase difficulty and aspect of the hole. 1. This golf hole lacks definition. Planting of two or three trees at the back left of the green will help to provide a back drop to the hole (see photo below). 2. The addition of one or two single specimen trees in the right hand side rough will assist location of balls and give the elution of narrowing the fairway. The many self set Oak and Ash trees, on the left hand side, are to be thinned out, allowing the larger trees to grow into the space Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & cultivar 17/ 3 Prunus avium Plena (Wild Cherry) 17/ 4 Fagus sylvatica (Beech) 17/ 2 Acer campestre (Field Maple) Girth in cm Update ~ Self-set trees have been preserved along the left hand side of the fairway, many growing to 10 feet plus. Gorse was planted, Winter 2012, at the back of the green but has struggled to establish itself. Selfsets mainly Oak have been preserved in the rough behind the green and to the right of the 11 th fairway. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 27

28 Tree Planting Plan ~ Hole 18 Increase difficulty and safety of the hole. Provide one specimen tree on the boundary between the 18 th fairway and the Manor Course (see photo below), approximately 155 yards from the green, to improve safety and provide more definition. Planting & Description Qty Tree Species & cultivar 18/ 1 Fagus sylvatica Purpurea Copper Beech Girth in cm Update ~ not a priority hole. File Reference: Tree Planting Plan 2009.doc 28