Memorial Tree Programs -- Help!

[SL_Solow]

I moderated a Chicago District Golf Association Seminar for Greens Chairmen this weekend.  A new chairman at a very prominent club indicated that his club has a memorial tree program which he is trying to terminate.  I applauded his intention.  He asked if anyone had experience in terminating similar programs because there is some opposition and experience from other clubs is often persuaive to his Board of Directors.  Can we help this chairman help in his noble quest?  I will relay your experiences.

[Rob_Waldron]

We have a Memorial Tree Program at our course as well. I started the program, however I did so with  twist. Our club suffered from Members donating their own trees, then selecting the location for planting (Next to their favorite green) and to worsen matters, placing plaques on the tree itself.

My solution:

We created a Memorial Tree Fund and placed ONE Memorial Plaque in the clubhouse. This plaque is where we put the names instead of the tree itself. The proceeds from donations for the tree fund ($100 minimum) are given to the superintendent to use as part of his budget. Our superintendent plants several trees each year in locations designated by our Master Plan. We have the best of both worlds. Funding for our planting budget and as well as a nice tribute to our past members in our clubhouse...and not on the golf course.

[SL_Solow]

Thanks Rob.  I did the same at our club to ward off a proposed program. (great minds think alike?)   However the club in question already has a more traditional program.  They are looking for examples of clubs that have terminated similar programs.

[Brad Klein]

If you really love someone, donate $100 to the club and have a conifer removed in their name. $200 for a willow.

[Evan Fleisher]

If you really love someone, donate $100 to the club and have a conifer removed in their name. $200 for a willow.

That sounds like a redanman invention, Brad!

[tlavin]

If you really love someone, donate $100 to the club and have a conifer removed in their name. $200 for a willow.

I'm gonna bronze this one...

[Patrick Hitt]

A certain club right by Saul talked about starting a memorial stump program. You brand the name right in there. Premiums would be paid for bigger stumps left at 36" near tees.....

[Steve Curry]

Memorial Grass Program is the best solution.  They can be lured in with the selling point that you can have millions if not billions of grass plants in lieu of one tree.  What a bargain.  

Seriously, in my opinion, memorials should be left for founding members or those that can afford serious building upgrades or replacements.  I have seen furniture with plaques but seriously at what point do you draw the line and not want a graveyard for a golf club.

Steve

[Pat_Mucci]

SL Solow,

Dunlop White's position papers on trees would be a great start.

Contact him and have him email copies to you.

They are very informative and could be very helpful.

[SL_Solow]

I appreciate all the comments.  The chair is sold on the need to end the program; however he is trying to find out if any clubs have done so in the past and if they instituted substitute programs or used other selling techniques.  Thanks again.