Lawsonia has never been overly treed, although the tree removals done during the most recent renovation -- under the direction/advice of Ron Forse -- have led to some noticeable improvments.
Two examples:
-- In the lower left corner of the black-and-white aerial that Pat posted, trees have been removed along the right side rough of the 8th hole, a terrific short par 4 with an offset green. The tree removal makes the flag and (to some extent) green visible from the tee, and the line of charm can tempt the big hitters. But it's a fool's errand, as the green surrounds there are quite penal, and there is no sure up-and-down for birdie. Thus, the tree removal provides the illusion of options for the golfer on the tee, and actually takes his eye away from the ideal line, which is to hug the left side of the fairway to open the approach into the heavily bunkered green.
-- Immediately north of the 8th green is the tee for the uphill par 5 9th, and tree removal has restored the Cape-like nature of the drive there. It's now fescue and native grasses, and the big hitters can cut the dogleg to try to get home in two.
(FYI -- the holes on the right corner and extreme right side of the aerial -- the ones with distinctly different bunker styles -- are from the Woodlands course at Lawsonia.)
Confession:
This thread was originally intended to be something of a stalking horse for a parallel debate between Fort Worth's most famous university, and Wisconsin's most famous university, both of which field football teams. I know how that one turned out.
But I'm glad for the responses anyhow. (Jud -- where can I pay up? I'm loathe to ship bottles across state lines....
))