Trees

When we are playing our golf games, we do not give a lot of thought to all the trees unless we have lost the ball in them. But trees are an integral part of the course. After the move to the new location from Lachine a Long-Range Tree Planting Program was initiated.

Initially many existing trees had to be cut down. Great care had to be taken so as not to injure full grown trees or seedlings during the clearing process. During the first phase, in the early 1960's, more than 2,000 trees were planted at the new site including conifers, Japanese larch, flowering crab, white birch, morain locust, lilacs and deciduous trees. Some of these did not survive and more trees were lost to a late summer drought in 1961. In the mid-1960s an extensive progressive tree planting program added 2,000 more trees to the course and 5,000 seedlings were started in a nursery. By 1970 many of these seedlings, grown into trees, were planted providing wind breaks on barren parts of the two courses and helping to conserve moisture for fairway grass. This completed the initial planting program. A total of 14,000 trees had been planted.

During the weekend of July1,1968 a violent storm destroyed more than 200 trees that were 20 feet tall and higher. By September 1972 many elm trees had to be cut down and burned. Dutch Elm disease eventually eliminated all those beautiful old trees.

The ice storm of 1998, the worst in Quebec history caused great damage at Summerlea. Particularly hard hit were the deciduous trees with ice damage to approximately 15,000. An estimated 1,000 had to be removed and the rest pruned and repaired. There were special efforts to preserve red and white oaks, hard maple, hickory, silver birch, gray birch and white ash. Many new trees were purchased and planted with help from the federal government.

As the golf course ages and many trees mature winter and summer storms take their toll.  A lot of the original trees planted were not suitable. Dead and injured trees continually have to be removed and underbrush cleared. Hidden trees throughout the property are brought out and replanted. In this area of clay soil and poor drainage the trees stand in water a great deal of the time and oxygen does not get to the roots. Today new hardy deciduous trees resistant to disease are being planted.

Continual care and maintenance of the wooded sector greatly enhances the overall beauty of Summerlea.

Marion Dunn