Grinding Tree Roots

Tree work continues... as for the last few days we have been grinding surface tree roots. 

Cottonwood trees - surface roots

So many species of trees are poor selections for a golf course due to their shallow roots and even in some cases portion of the tree roots emerge above the ground.  See one of my early posts where I discuss the impact of trees on the golf course - Tree work.

On certain species these roots extend out beyond the drip line of trees and cause issues with the playability of the golf course, along with our maintenance and mowing equipment.  We use a small stump/root grinder and grind off the surface on the roots and then seed divot mix into the ground area.

Small 6" grinder to grind roots

After several roots have been ground

What the roots look like in the fairway before grinding

Effects of sub-surface, but shallow, tree roots on surrounding turf quality