#16 Beech Tree - Removal

The tree in front of #16 has been removed. This has been a very controversial tree for myself due to it's affect on the playability of the hole. The tree was analyzed by our local golf course architecht last year and he came to the conclusion the tree was not part of the original intent or design of the hole. The mounding in front of the green was the original intent by creating a visual obstruction. The tree was also analyzed by an arborist and the tree was dubbed a hazard and at risk of falling. This was confirmed during the tree removal process.



All Beech Trees are at risk of Beech Bark Disease. A condition, which begins with an infestation from an insect called the Beech Scale. The infection of the scale insect leaves a pre-disposed risk of an infection by Nectria fungi that will destroy the heartwood of the tree. This destruction of the heartwood increases the risk of falling limbs or catastrophic loss due to the weakened condition. These symptoms were found on 75% of affected limbs and severe basal rot. It was not a question of if the tree will fall, but when.