In a previous Journey Along the Shores post, I shared our initial approach to managing the trees in our care. A recent event prompted me to circle back to the subject.
We have been working on establishing tall grass buffer areas and walking paths with the intention of planting trees to create native savannah. Our efforts on the 12th hole were noticed by our neighbors and they have generously offered assistance, including donations. Specifically, we were the lucky recipients of a donated Red Oak tree that we happily planted in our nascent savannah.
There is a tremendous amount of work left to be done on clean-up and clearing of invasive tree species, like buckthorn. Removal is only part of the process though. Each cleared area needs to be enhanced with new vegetation and trees. Therefore, as a starting point, we have created a Suggested Species List of trees (thanks to the efforts of Steve Neumann of Logic Lawn Care and our Superintendent Tom Tully).
THE LIST
The list, along with a picture of each tree follows. Ultimately, we are working toward the look below, with healthy turf, tall grass, native areas, specimen trees, and vistas.

SUGGESTED DECIDUOUS TREES
- Gingko (male only)
- Red Maple
- Sugar Maple
- Black Gum
- American Hornbeam
- Hackberry
- Red Oak
- Pin Oak
- White Oak
- Swamp Oak
- River Birch
- Beech
- Northern Catalpa
- Sycamore
- Hickory
- Cottonwood
SUGGESTED CONIFEROUS TREES
- White Pine
- Jack Pine
- Eastern Red Cedar
- Hemlock
For further reading on the subject of tree management on a golf course / multi-use facility, check out this discussion thread on GolfClubAtlas.com and this great article from Dunlop White.
Thanks again to our volunteers and generous neighbors. We will keep you updated on dates/times for upcoming volunteer clean-up sessions. And if you would like to make a donation for the purchase of a tree, or to help offset the cost of clean-up and clearing (haul-away and wood chipping), please contact Tom Tully at ttully@canalshores.org. Remember, Canal Shores is a not-for-profit, so all donations are tax deductible.
More Journey Along the Shores posts:
- Pt.1 – Introduction
- Pt.2 – The Land
- Pt.3 – Principles for Greatness
- Pt.4 – First Steps
- Pt.5 – Tree Management
- Pt.6 – 4 Course Concept
- Pt.7 – Pilot Projects
- Pt.9 – Inspiration for the New Canal Shores
- Pt.10 – Off-Season Projects
- Pt.11 – Blue Sky Findings
- Pt.12 – Good Geeky Fun
- Pt.13 – 4 Course Concept Revisited
- Pt.14a – The Power of Volunteers
- Pt.14b – More Volunteer Power
- Pt.15 – Metra Corner Makeover
- Pt.15b – Metra Corner Update
- Pt.16 – Super Changes
- Pt.17 – 14th Hole Bunker Rebuild
- Pt.18 – Annual Volunteer Recap
Copyright 2015 – Jason Way, GeekedOnGolf
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