2nd Hole Tree work and Member Input
Tree work to the right of 2 was originally planned to be performed today October 16th. We postponed this work earlier in the week due to the wet conditions of the course and the additional rain forecasted for today. This work was discussed and approved by the Ipswich Greens Committee and originally included the removal of two pines and 1 small hardwood tree along the right-side of the path. The large oak tree immediately before the green was to be pruned but remain. This work was planned as part of the rough restoration work across the golf course. Last year we completed loam and seed work in the pine grove but stopped at the point pictured above until the above mentioned three trees could be removed. After the removal of these trees and stumps work between the pine grove and the 2nd green parking will be continued into next season.
As members have been learning of the tree work we have been receiving numerous comments/questions about potentially removing the large oak entirely rather than just having it pruned. From an agronomic standpoint removing the tree would be beneficial to the surrounding turf. We would be better able to establish healthy rough on that side of the green surround along with lowering the water needed for the left-side of the 2nd approach. This is an area that often needs additional hand watering from staff during the growing season. However, unlike the other three trees we did not feel that removing the large oak tree was an absolute necessity from a turf standpoint and instead only planned on it being pruned. In large part this decision was made with the assumption being that membership would prefer that particularly tree remain. Recent comments from members is now giving us a different impression. With the work postponed due to weather the Ipswich Greens Committee will be meeting next Tuesday to discuss the tree work on 2 once again. Potentially removing the large oak instead of pruning will be revisited. Please let any Greens Committee member know your thoughts or concerns regarding the removal of the oak tree or email Matt directly at matthew.behl@invitedclubs.com. This will allow us to make the most informed decision we can during the meeting Tuesday, taking in as much member feedback as possible.
Below are a couple pictures showing how the oak tree affects pin placement and shot opportunities to the 2nd green. The planned pruning work would thin out the smaller branches and deadwood but the large branch growing upwards to the right would remain. Removing this large branch would pose a significant risk to the continued survival of this tree. Pruning would not improve shot opportunities to the green.
Pin on left upper white/blue area Lower left red pin area
