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Hope Still Alive Lone Fir Can Survive |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 05 May 2008 |
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'Metal bracing was added to the tree to structurally support the wound area,' says General Manager Matt Allen. 'And excess soil was removed from around its base to help uncover the roots in preparation for a two to three-inch application of compost.'  Let's hope this works
That compost, says Allen, will help ensure the tree, affectionately known as 'Lone Fir', receives a consistent amount of moisture and nutrients while it recovers from the damage. Supplemental watering will also commence with the existing irrigation system until a specific water system can be set-up for the tree.
According to superintendent David Wienecke and expert arborists, including Battle Ground-based Rob Lloyd who visited the course last week, the tree could heal itself to some degree by letting its sap cover the three inch-deep wound in order to prevent moisture and disease from entering. Sometime towards the end of May, a high strength epoxy resin will be placed in the wound between the braces and the tree itself to fill the void.
'Additional discussions on what should happen after the immediate repairs are finished have begun,' says Allen. 'Those discussions are focusing on the appropriate amount of water and nutrients the tree should be getting. We are also examining how much specific testing will be necessary to monitor the health of the tree during its recovery.' So we don't lose this view!
County Executive John Ladenburg has assured golfers the tree will be replaced should it not survive but says that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Crime Stoppers, the global organization that facilitates the passing on of anonymous tips, is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. |
