Golf Club removes ‘improper’ trees for turf quality

Several trees were removed at the Bellport Golf Club this week as part of the 2023 proposal to continue the removal of the trees causing problems for turfgrass.
The existing trees, according to officials, were creating maintenance difficulties due to issues such as root intrusion. Trees were also removed that detracts from a fair challenge for all players.
According to the director of golf at the Bellport Country Club Jimmy Von Eschen, though the trees were removed, the village planted 85 trees last year bordering the 4th and 5th holes with plans to add more in the future.
“We are not against trees,” he said. “Someone in the late 80s came in and thought it was a good idea to plant trees the only problem was they did it without knowledge of the correct tree (Norway Maple) from an agronomical, architectural standpoint of being put onto a golf course which the most important thing is turf quality.”
The removal of the trees was to “preserve the mature appearance of the course, while also improving playability and maintenance.” The process, according to Von Eschen, was selective taking note of thinning trees, which also enhanced the overall aesthetics of the golf course and the views from the Clubhouse.
“Recommendations [were] made for the selective removal, relocation or thinning of existing trees that are causing maintenance difficulties due to issues such as root intrusion, as well as for those trees that detract from a fair challenge for all players, now or that may in the future,” the presentation read. “Tree removal is also being recommended to expose and create views both within the course and off-site for visual interest.”
Additionally, many of the trees removed were Norway maples, which, according to NY State, are invasive. It is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to approximately 40-60 feet in height and produce a lot of seeds that invade forests. Also, they have very shallow roots and produce a lot of shade which makes it difficult for grass and other plants to grow below.
Both New York State and the National Audubon Society recommend cutting down large trees and digging out saplings.
This initiative, according to Von Eschen, will also enhance the turf conditions at Bellport Golf Club leading to a superior membership experience and a rise in overall property appeal.