Removal of selected Casuarina trees

In recent years, we have identified increasing problems with some pockets of Casuarinas around the golf course and the dangers these trees have to golfers with roots encroaching into playing surfaces, not to mention compromising turf quality in these areas.

Casuarina stands causing the greatest problems include the RHS of the 4th fairway, RHS of the 8th fairway, LHS of the 12th fairway at the corner and the RHS of the 17th fairway on the approach to the green.

Under the Club’s Course Enhancement Plan, Casuarinas have been identified for complete removal from the golf course in time.  However, this is not always practical given the impact on the playability and design of the golf course as well as for  player safety, in that some of these stands act as buffers between various holes.  Any Casuarina removal will be undertaken strategically taking into consideration all factors involved.

Members would have recently noticed the select removal of Casuarinas adjacent the 8th tee and on the RHS of the 7th green.  These trees were removed to accommodate an upgraded access path to the 8th tee and to improve turf quality in the walk off area adjacent the 7th green.

Members would have also noticed recent repairs to paving on the pathway from the western car park to the clubhouse.  This has become a regular maintenance issue due to encroachment of roots from Casuarinas on the adjacent hill.  Given the ongoing costs with lifting and re-laying pavers and the safety concerns from an uneven surface, it has been agreed to commence select removal of Casuarinas in this area.  Long term, the precinct from the car park to the clubhouse, along with the 1st tee, has been identified for redevelopment as finances allow.  In the meantime, following the removal of Casuarinas, this area will be tidied up and landscaped accordingly.

Select removal of Casuarinas from the golf course will also be undertaken over coming months.  Areas identified include those mentioned earlier, but only where their removal will have minimal effect on playability and safety.  Some stands of Casuarinas will be retained with increased root pruning undertaken to minimise safety concerns for golfers.  In most instances, new pine trees and/or other vegetation will be established as a replacement when Casuarinas have been removed.