May 2008
Chambers Bay Update:
May News & Reviews
By David Wienecke,
Certified Professional Agronomist
Chambers Bay Golf Course Superintendent
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Tacoma Daily Index - May 06, 2008 |
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Update on the Lone Fir Vandalism
We recently completed work on a root health assessment and collected samples for the pathology and nutrient lab testing. Test results are pending (about 2 weeks). We found healthy roots and even found mycorrhizal infected roots on the west side which is the sign of a healthy tree and are very rarely seen. Mycorrhizae are fungi that infect the tree roots and help the plant increase nutrient and water uptake in the soil.
Most of the root growth appears to be on the south side of the tree. Roots are apparently very deep since a 4' deep hole on the east side of the tree could not find any tree roots. All roots examined were very healthy and strong with no signs of infection. The sandy soil, while very low nutrient potential does have wonderful drainage and porosity which makes fungal disease problems very minimal. Drainage is outstanding at the site.
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The tree is surprisingly healthy considering its stressful condition. The arborist noted that the foliage canopy is well adapted to surviving wind. If you look at the branches there are relatively few on the windward side of the tree with most of the branches on the opposite side. This creates a wind foil aerodynamic effect which improves the tree survivability in wind. The trunk is also well adapted to wind having a broad base which quickly narrows into a conical shape as you go up the trunk. This produces a stout wind resistant trunk. The age assessment based on ring analysis is about 50 years or so old.
We filled in the excavated areas and covered the tree roots with 3" of composted cow manure. We will start shortly with a every 2 week irrigation to stimulate healthy root growth through the dry summer months. Examination of the root showed the tree has suffered three stress years in the past which of course it has survived. The most recent stress period was within the past two years. |
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Filling of the wound area with high-strength epoxy filler is scheduled for the next week. The epoxy filler will provide protection against the tree trying to compress into the wound area during high wind events.
Finally we were at the tree recently during 30-40 mph sustained winds and saw almost no trunk movement. This tree is a real survivor and shows no signs of decline now. The arborists who have visited the site seem quite confident it will survive the axe attack with proper care.
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