TREE CARE similar activity that should be done on a regular basis . Simple tools such as a headless golf club , screwdriver or piece of rebar are essential for determining soil moisture content for both trees and turf .
Especially if the sports facility is large , there will be several trees each year that need to be removed – both for the benefit of the turf and the reduced liability for the spectators , players and coaches . Though removals can be done whenever it ’ s convenient , scheduling them when play is at its lowest point ( a . k . a ., the off season ) is the best approach . After all , if the arborist has the option to drop the tree horizontally as well as to cut off branches piece by piece , the cost and liability will be much less .
Long-term sports facility users may object to tree removal , especially if they have enjoyed the many benefits of trees-in-place over the years . Removal means an immediate loss of shade , and creates an openness that they might not be expecting . As a sports field manager , it ’ s crucial to support your decision to remove the tree based on the performance of the turf and safety to the people using the fields . Keeping a maintenance book with documented original purpose , benefits , annualized costs of maintenance , potential liability , turfgrass performance over time , recommendations from ISA Certified Arborists , and intended replacements will bolster your case . SFM
Well placed and maintained , small trees bring great value . All photos by John C . Fech
John C . Fech is a horticulturist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture . The author of two books and more than 400 popular and trade journal articles , he focuses his time on teaching effective landscape maintenance techniques , water conservation , diagnosing turf and ornamental problems , and encouraging effective bilingual communication in the green industry .
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2021 | SportsField Management
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