TREES versus
T
rees have many functions on a golf course. Despite the reality that trees on the course can cause increased management problems for superintendents they are a vital component of a golf course. Trees on the course have many functions including:
• Define fairways, aiding the line of play
• Divide fairways
• Delineate out-of-bounds areas
• Increase the challenge of a course
• Guard greens
• Act as markers for finding balls
• Complement the character of a course
• Shield from the outside world - privacy
• Add to the aesthetics of a course
• Enhance the biodiversity value of a course
• Provide wind breaks and shade
• Display a micro climate for many species
• Support the food web for many creatures
Trees and turf require many of the same conditions, however, there are also some conflicting requirements too. Trees and turf both require 86
TURF...
sunlight, water and some basic nutrients. However, competition often occurs for these requirements causing either the tree or the turf to suffer. Furthermore, maintenance requirements differ between trees and turf. Trees and turf require different fertiliser programmes at different times. We want to see lush green grass on the course and also the shelter and visibility of majestic healthy trees. Brushcutters and mowers can easily wound trees and also gash roots which appear near the surface, leaving them susceptible to decay and affecting tree stability. Trees also result in leaf litter and organic matter accumulation which can cause thatch problems in the turf, and the removal of fallen leaves increases the work load. Areas that are out of the way and not required to be as manicured can have leaves left where they fall. This reduces the amount of waste being generated, allows nutrients to be returned to the ground and reduces the amount of labour required to manage the course. What leaves are going to be removed can be composted along with grass clippings and vegetation trimmings. Several factors influence turfgrass performance
including: • Light • Air movement • Shade • Water • Nutrients
If light levels are reduced, then plant growth and performance are reduced, because the shorter light wavelengths which promote short strong growth are blocked and replaced with longer light wavelengths which give rise to long spindly growth within the turf sward. Tree planting
surrounding golf greens should be carried out in a very careful manner, as problems with shading and lack of morning sun can occur in future years. Morning sun is essential to ensure good turfgrass health and it is difficult to maintain high performing golf greens without it. Air movement has a very
strong affect on turfgrass quality, particularly in relation to grass
susceptibility to disease. Many diseases thrive in conditions of poor air movement, because the air becomes stagnant and provides the disease pathogens with perfect conditions to flourish in
terms of temperature and moisture under the shaded micro climates created by the tree. Turf colonises the top layers of soil more aggressively than trees, which also like to have roots in this layer, as there will ultimately be less air available deeper in the soil system.
Shade in turf leads to shorter roots and reduced root density along with reduced wear tolerance. Shade from trees
contributes to turf health and reduces the amount of sunlight available and this shade from trees can lead to stress within the turf. Poorly drained shaded areas will result in the establishment of moss in the turfgrass - again increasing the competition in the sward. Shade and poor drainage conditions often results in the colonisation of mosses, particularly the trailing mosses.
Competition for nutrients and water with young trees often results in turfgrass out-competing the young trees, causing stunted growth and amplified stress levels, therefore leading to increased susceptibility to disease. Irrigation required for turf in hot weather can accumulate at the base of a
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115