Page 17 - GM Fall 2025 flipbook

when Choosing
Golf Course
A large, canopied tree provides shade while creating an obstacle for
golfers to play around.
Poorly considered planting site choices can negatively affect adjacent
soils or vegetation. This tree has created a difficult environment for
growing turf due to its dense canopy.
Consider the mature size or
ultimate size of plants when selecting
for your site. A two-foot-high shrub
today may grow to fifteen feet in the
future. A six-foot-high tree might
grow to sixty feet. This will certainly
affect the positioning and location of
plants as they are installed.
Seasonal variation in plants is
very important to design. Deciduous
plants losing leaves for winter is only
one aspect of seasonality. Leaf
colour, flower, fruit production, and
plant form play an important role in
this aspect of plant selection.
Coniferous and broad-leafed
evergreens also enhance the seasonal
display of plants. Look to embrace
and showcase change in your plant
palette.
Another consideration is plant
growth and health needs. The
hardiness of a plant for your region is
a determining factor in plant success
and overall health. Do not try to plant
a palm in the Prairies. Other plant
needs and restrictions should also be
considered:
•  Does the plant need direct and
prolonged sunlight, or does it
tolerate/prefer shade?
•  Is your plant selection drought
tolerant or will it need irrigation
often?
•  Does road salt harm the plant?
•  Will a fertilizer program be needed
or are your plant choices self-
reliant?
•  Is pruning or trimming needed
monthly, yearly?
Your plant selections should
ideally be resistant to pests and
diseases. Fussy and fragile plant
material is not typically welcomed in
golf environments.
PREPARING FOR TOMORROW
Some golf courses develop plant
inventories that are native to their
region. Consider designing a landscape
that offers native plants if possible
(although this is not necessary for
many landscapes with non-native
plants often offering many desirable
characteristics).
Cost at purchase is always
important as your greens budget is
typically stretched in multiple
directions. Consider plants that are
affordable and cost effective but
never sacrifice quality.
GreenMaster • CGSA •
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