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Patrick_Mucci

Part II Width ?
« on: October 01, 2008, 10:28:18 PM »
On a tree laden site, how much is determined by the architect ?

How much is determined by the cost to clear ?

And, how much is determined by the site ?
« Last Edit: October 01, 2008, 10:30:04 PM by Patrick_Mucci »

Chris Kane

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Re: Part II Width ?
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2008, 10:38:06 PM »
On a tree laden site, how much is determined by the architect ?

How much is determined by the cost to clear ?

And, how much is determined by the site ?

Won't it depend on the type of course the architect/owner wants, and the budget provided?

Jeff_Brauer

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Re: Part II Width ?
« Reply #2 on: October 01, 2008, 11:20:42 PM »
Region plays a part. Up in MN, I did sun angle studies to see how far out I had to clear those trees to let in morning sun. It was much further than I would have to do in Texas.  I found if I cleared all the way to Wisconsin, the sun would reach the first green early enough to avoid frost! (insert smileys, but its almost true.)

North South holes need more clearing for sun than east west ones.  Oaks need wider clearing than pines, due to larger canopy.

Clearing width is also a function of the irrigation budget - 2, 3, 4 or how many rows can we have.  We match to irrigation coverage. I have seen some pretty wide clearing in wooded areas.

Environmental restrictions can reduce clearing.

Heavy woods cost perhaps $2500 per acre.  Clearing 90 vs 100 acres only saves about $30K nominally, although you also have 10 more acres of irrigation (at 11 heads per acre, at $1100 per head) and grassing at about $4000 per acre.  So, the total cost is well over $180K for that 10 acres of clearing.
Jeff Brauer, ASGCA Director of Outreach

Bryan Izatt

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Re: Part II Width ?
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2008, 12:01:52 AM »
Jeff,

When doing sun angle studies, what month do you use for the design?  September in MN would be quite different from June.

Jeff_Brauer

  • Total Karma: 4
Re: Part II Width ?
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2008, 07:34:56 AM »
Bryan,

You are correct!   Basically, I use the worst month for sun - April and October.  In 12 month climates, I use December because active turf (overseed or otherwise) needs 6-8 hours of sunlight regardless of season.
Jeff Brauer, ASGCA Director of Outreach

Patrick_Mucci

Re: Part II Width ?
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2008, 09:48:47 AM »
Jeff,

Thanks, that's very informative.

When you have to clear that wide a swath and you calculate the costs to do so, do you also calculate the additional annual maintanance costs ?

Jeff_Brauer

  • Total Karma: 4
Re: Part II Width ?
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2008, 11:54:08 AM »
I figure there is probably less annual maintenance cost to providing a good micro climate, even if mowing another 10 acres.  Pesticide, reseeding, fungicides, fertilizers, etc. all go down when nature provides more of what grass needs.

Short answer, no. I guess I just figure it needs to be what it needs to be.
Jeff Brauer, ASGCA Director of Outreach