In Australia there is a tenancy to let the golf shop pro handle all of the logistics from the club shop.
Especially when it comes to trees, the only time a specialist should be called upon is when an item falls– so just leave that to the nearest landscaper available, right?
Well not exactly, because the field of golf course tree management is about the care and maintenance of an environment that should be conducive to good play from hole 1 to hole 18.
Clients that take a proactive approach to their ecosystem have a lower rate of damage, erosion and disease with their vegetation.
That cannot be a coincidence.
So what are the benefits for those clients who seek assistance with tree management?
Let us find out.
Securing Expert Help on the Ground
Whilst many experts in the sport will purport to be specialists when it comes to this department, golf course tree management is a niche all unto itself. There are procedures that dictate what profile of trees should be planted, where they should be situated, what type of safety measures must be embraced and the style of conditioning that should be adhered to. Just because some operators can work their way out of a bunker or have taken their handicap down to a professional level, that does not constitute a specialist in this department.
Cost Savings and Environmental Impact
Just like an annual checkup with the local GP can ward off future medical problems, booking a consultation with a golf course tree management team can prevent accidents and damage from occurring. By the time some courses have to locate a landscaper, horticulturalist or arborist to remove the item from the fairway, bring in a chipper and clear the path for play to resume, that is eating into the budget of the organisation. When play stops, members stay away and spend their time elsewhere, bleeding revenue that could be earned on the premises.
Then there is the environmental impact that is included with correct conditioning of the native ecosystem. One single tree can absorb up to a tonne of CO2 over its lifespan, illustrating that these sporting organisations can garner a green image that is eco-friendly and environmentally conscious.
Assessment of Risk
Site inspections are paramount and part of the process when you secure the assistance of golf course tree management experts in the field. Occupancy rates on the fairway are taken into account as a Level 5 arborist will gauge what parts of the domain are of a low level, a medium level and a high level. This sets a priority list and agenda that will be seen through. The risk component will be an occupational health and safety matter, but the threat of harm to any members will only amplify the urgency to address the matter.
Matching Practicality with Aesthetics
Owners and operators in these environments will want the best of both worlds when it comes to the placement of vegetation around the fairway. Golf course tree management will allow these individuals to achieve that mark as they match style with substance, placing trees out of high risk locations where play will not be impeded.
Providing Long-Term Value
Clients that opt to implement golf course tree management through the help of a certified service will enjoy long-term value that will be felt over the span of a number of years. The pruning of young and mature trees alike with the removal of dangerous and eroding roots can ensure that you do not have fallen trees strewn across your fairway.
The proper conditioning of this department will speak to the course’s capacity to care for their members. Reputations in this sport quickly spread and an environment that is friendly to individual players, groups and vehicles will be conducive to good play for all 18 holes. Happy customers equates to more members and a higher return for outlets that wish to entice golfers to sign up with their course than those of a neighbouring suburb.