Empress Tree - #4 Green

Last week we lost a couple large branches to the Empress Tree to the right of #4 green.  This is a very large majestic tree on the golf course.

Removal of branches

I am very fortunate to have the knowledge, experience, skills, and required equipment for a tree climber in my equipment technician, Al Grafton, who has previously owned his own tree pruning business.

Climbing to remove upper branches

While we were removing those fallen and cracked branches we took the time to climb the tree, inspect it, and remove some of the dead wood located in the tree.  For some reason, the tree has produced an excessive amount of fruit/seeds this year.  This is adding a tremendous amount of weight to the light wooded branches.

Look at all the seed hanging off the branches

Fruit on the hanging branches, very heavy

Upon further inspection I do have some concerns for the future of this tree.  It is showing signs of inner rot and weak branches, in conjunction with the excessive fruit produced this season, we could see more branches fall off in the weeks to come.  This tree could become a large safety hazard, especially so close to the green, and be one that we have to look at for removal come this winter.