Tree Relocation Update - #15

In our last post, our contractor, Hess Landscaping, had begun excavating the root-ball of a 75' tall white oak tree to be relocated on our 15th hole. To refresh everyone's memory, our 15th hole was designed around a similar tree. We lost that tree back in June during an intense thunderstorm.

 

Since we took the photo above, the root-ball has been fully excavated (see below). To put this project in perspective, that root-ball is 22' in diameter and cut to an average depth of 6'. Doing some math... the root-ball alone is 84 cubic yards and weighs approximately 250,000 pounds. 

Once the root ball was fully excavated, the crew began cutting a road for the tree to slide along. 

 These pipes are driven under the tree on 8" centers. These pipes are 31' long and 5" in diameter. Once installed below the root ball, they will be welded together to form a "raft". 

The tree will be drug along this newly built access road. The road was constructed using the spoils from the root ball excavation. Once the tree is moved, this soil will be cleaned up and used as back-fill for the hole left behind. 

The picture below shows the final destination of the tree. 

More updates to come!! 

Member Update - Tree Relocation #15

Dear Member,

We are pleased to announce the tree transplant project is underway.  The contractor arrived Monday, February 13^th and, as you see in the included photo, has begun working to expose the tree’s root ball.  The area being excavated is approximately 22 feet in diameter and as much as eight (8) feet deep.  Over the next two weeks, they will be constructing a box to encapsulate the root ball.  Weather permitting, the contractor plans to conduct the actual relocation on or about March 1^st.   The tree, a 70-foot white oak, will be moved from the right side of the 12^th hole to the 15^th hole and placed in nearly the same location as the previous oak tree lost during a severe storm last June.

Time-lapse cameras have been set up to document the entire process.  Kinloch Superintendent, Trevor Hedgepeth, and his team will also provide periodic updates on the Kinloch Maintenance Blog (www.kinlochgcm.blogspot.com ) as well as our Twitter Feed (@KinlochDaily).  We encourage you to view both areas for informative updates throughout the season.

This transplant is an exciting undertaking.  As we approach and confirm the actual relocation day, we will communicate that information.  We welcome you to visit the club at any time during the coming weeks to view the process firsthand.

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the club soon.

All the best,

Jonathan Ireland

 

New Walk Trail To #2 Tees

Over the years, the walking trail between the 1st green and 2nd tee has been problematic. Between shade and poor drainage, the grass on this trail has always succumbed to traffic stress over the course of the golf season. In fact, many times in late fall, especially after a rain event, it became not only unsightly, but oftentimes impassable. So, as part of multiple off-season projects, we decided to re-build this trail as a hybrid grass/stone path. Below there are pictures that walk you through the project. The final product is an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable walking trail that should hold up to moisture and the rigors of traffic. 

Step 1: Clear the existing material, lay a base layer (2-3") of drainage sand

Step 2: Lay out the paver stones in the pattern we designed  

Step 3: Recess the paver stones below grade by 1-2" 

Step 4: Sod in between the stones to create a "broken stone" look

One of the main goals with this project was to merge functionality and aesthetics. By choosing a more informal stone design, we believe we have achieved this goal. We hope our members and guests appreciate the improvement to this area.