The grouping of azaleas to the left of 13 green has been pruned back to 6 - 12 inches off the ground. This practice is commonly known as “rejuvenation pruning.” Below, are the reasons why this was the best solution:
1.) Over all, the aesthetics of the azaleas were unattractive and overgrown.
2.) The plot was heavily contaminated with invasive vines. The only option to completely eradicate is hand manual removal of large unwanted plants and herbicide applications. The unwanted plants were not accessible due to the density of the shrubs.
3.) Several factors contributed to the poor design:
a.) Azaleas planted too close to the cart path. The crew and I removed any azalea within 5 feet of the cart path to anticipate future growth. In order to keep the Azaleas off the cart path they had to be sheared and Azaleas cannot tolerate routine shearing. The prolonged stress will eventually cause the shrub to become unattractive.
b.) Azaleas planted too close together. We selectively removed some azaleas to create two groupings instead of one. This will give the bed more interest and help with future manual weeding occurrences. There will be less shrubbery obstructing weeding.
c.) In hindsight, the variety of Azalea originally chosen was too big for the area it was planted. Instead, an azaleas that grows to three-four feet in height would be ideal. This would allow the observer to see over the top of the azaleas and look upon the green and other areas of the golf course.
I have done this in the past and I am confident this is the right decision. The pruned azaleas should reach two-three feet in height by the end of the first season. We will also be shrinking the size of the bed and creating a cleaner/crisper bed line. See the before and after pictures below!
-Mike Klaskala, Horticultrist / Assistant Superintendent
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