When selecting trees to plant, choose varieties that will not negatively impact greens, tees, fairways, property lines, and power lines when fully mature. Very simply; do the math. Find out what the mature size (height & width) will be of the tree and work backwards. Remember to not plant on the east or southeast sites where shade of the tree will ultimately cause problems. Before digging, be sure to contact your local utility company to mark gas lines, water pipes, or underground cables. The wrong tree species in the wrong location is a recipe for disaster for the turfgrass. Future tree removal is problematic and expensive.
From a golf course perspective, more often than not it makes sense to remove more trees than are planted each year. When purchasing new trees, disregard the end of the season close-out offerings from local nurseries. There usually is a reason no one else purchased these left-over trees: poor condition, deformed shape, ultra-common type, or not hardy to the area. Making that extra effort to purchase and plant high quality, desirable trees for a location will benefit all involved immensely. Select the tree based on your criteria and use the plant usage guides in this book to recommend viable options for you.
Form and habit should be considered before making a decision for your golf course or garden. Architectural structure is important especially during the winter months. Trees exhibiting an interesting shape or outline may still be appreciated when other plants are either dormant or dead. They may have weeping, arching, or sculpted branching. They may have dramatic or rounded canopies. They may be vase-shaped, pyramidal, or cascading. The appealing characteristic simply may be a massive trunk of a tree.
When selecting a tree to plant, habit is a wonderful characteristic to consider before making a decision. It is great to have all of the ornamental features, but a tree with appealing form and structure is appreciated throughout all seasons, plus it usually improves with age.
For golfers like me, we have all played a course where a majestic tree or a stand of trees served as a hazard. Often we likely cursed at them, spewing the invective that there was no reason for their existence in their present location. But after the tree’s demise or removal, the view is altered and the challenge is instead now a collection of bunkers. One of my pet peeves is if a player hits the ball in a fairway then he or she deserves a clear shot at the green. My point is that moderation and common sense have to meet.
Trees may add a needed dimension architecturally to a golf course or property if properly selected, planted, and maintained. Great golf course and properties have reputations for their tree plantings. Comprehensive programs designed to care for existing trees and to plan properly for new plantings as they become necessary are vital.