Around The Grounds-December

The month of November was a wonderful time for fall golf with dry and above normal temperatures. It also signifies that our guest workers from Mexico return to their homes near Durango, Mexico to be with their families. We appreciate their dedication and hard work throughout the 8 seasons they have been with us on our team. Navigating the H2-B guest worker program is always stressful, not knowing if or when we will have our team back based upon the demand for visas.  Before the majority of our team left we were able to focus on the Tree Management Program (TMP) for the Golf Course Restoration Plan. 

Background:

The (TMP) has been a multifaceted program, and began extensively in the early 2000's with these goals in mind:

• Reducing the inventory of trees to be able to manage and care properly from a cost, human safety standpoint,  and tree health prospective.
• Improving turf health by reducing shade, increasing air movement, reducing the use of inputs of herbicides and fungicides.
• Increasing the diversity of the plant population of the trees on the HP property because of age, species, and challenges related to disease and insects. 
• Planting of the proper species to enhance screening of the peripheries, and replacement of declining specimen trees.  
• Removal of invasive species; multiple varieties of Honey Suckle, Tree-of-Heaven, European Buckthorn and other plants.
• Exposing the natural terrain and making the game of golf more enjoyable.
• Over 400 trees on the property have been tagged with GPS coordinates outlining current condition and maintenance costs associated with each.
• Tyler Rae (GCA) and Bryan Miller, Director of Horticulture have partnered with Arborists and Extension agents to come up with a diverse plant list to enhance the natural environment at HP.

Changes to Playability and Views with TMP at Hyde Park - Where is this?

Oak Wilt:

In an update from early 2024, Bryan discusses the importance of enhancing plant diversity for both the short and long term goals at HP.  PLEASE CLICK HERE This summer our team noticed some concerning  patterns of decline in a couple of the Pin Oaks on the 13th hole. The signs and symptoms pointed to Oak Wilt (Link to Oakwilt) Unfortunately, a sample taken from a tree on the 13th hole came back positive for Oak Wilt.  This tree has since been removed and disposed of in an approved manner.  This diagnosis of Oak Wilt does not mean the remaining Pin Oak trees will be wiped out, but we need to be cognizant to identify possible signs and symptoms, properly test and plan for the future with increasing the Bio-diversity of the plant population of specimen and screening trees across the property.

Tree Planting:

Bryan, with the help of our partners have identified areas across the 153 Acre property to enhance periphery property line with plantings, along with key specimen tree replacement. This is a strategic plan that will be discussed with the Grounds and Golf Course Restoration Oversight Committee. The preliminary plan includes over 300 trees to be planted over the next 2-5 years.

Small Segment of Plant List 

 

Sample Slide Utilized for Budgeting and Areas to be Addressed 

As always we appreciate your feedback, and please send any questions regarding the Golf Course to grounds@hydparkcc.com. Please stay tuned for more information and links to updates for the Golf Course Restoration Plan. 

Merry Christmas,

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent