Having a fair understanding of tree removal projects, and more importantly, tree management programs, I'll wade in with a few thoughts. So as to respect the private club nature of disclosure, just general observations will be offered.
First, let me say I played Mannie's for the first time this past Fall, on a breezy, beautiful late-October day, and was BLOWN AWAY by the presentation and quality of this course. The greens were VERY firm and rolled spooky quick. They were not over the edge, rather perfect would be more accurate.
There had been some significant shower activity a few days prior, but the course was fairly dry and not muddy at all. This course, with a valley setting, can get hammered and does flood. Scott May and his team do a superb job, and he quite often does projects in-house when prudent.
A large misconception exists that trees are worth a lot of money, and a financial windfall awaits any golf course felling large numbers of trees. Most trees have minimal value and every time they are handled there is a cost involved. Certainly, some high-value species can command good coin, but they are seldom present in the numbers needed to mean significant returns.
In-house tree removals can be attempted, but the location and technical requirements better be low-risk or you are asking for trouble.
The sweetness of "saving money" can quickly be erased by an accident or fatality. Tree care is a VERY HIGH-RISK occupation.That's why having well-trained, certified arborists, who are pros doing it EVERYDAY, assess and handle most projects, makes sense.
If something goes wrong and your man with the saw isn't certified, serious EXPOSURE to liability is assured. The insurance coverage to perform tree work is QUITE COSTLY; most clubs or facilities DO NOT carry that ceiling of coverage. Many bristle at even spending money on tree management, often looking the other way and hoping nothing happens. There is NO WAY they are covered properly. Some golf management companies, even some top names that know the facts...roll the dice. Not a wise action-plan.
Any club or facility that is serious about safety concerns, and proper presentation of their property, should have a strong working partnership with a certified tree care company. The days of a reactive, three bid...low price gets the work...tree management approach doesn't cut it with all that's at stake for today's golf facilities.
Progressive golf architects, superintendents, management/facility owners and their golfers, members or otherwise, understand that addressing tree issues from a knowledge-based perspective is best, just as it is in virtually every other professional field. This is doubly true for high-risk endeavors...yet many still wing it with no real tree management plan. Don't let thrift get in the way of safety and common sense.
That's my take as someone who has done the job, and currently works with golf facilities to collaborate on delivering safe, quality presentations we can all enjoy.
Cheers,
Kris
