Work to Save Chambers Bay Tree Underway

David Wienecke, the golf course superintendent at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Wash., has taken steps to save the iconic tree at the course that was severely hacked by vandals last week. The survival of the Douglas fir is in question. A $1,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the vandal's arrest.

Over the weekend, metal bracing was added to the tree to structurally stabilize the damaged area (see photo). In addition, excess soil was removed from around the tree to help uncover the tree roots in preparation for a 2- to 3-inch application of compost around the base. The compost will help ensure the tree receives a consistent amount of moisture and nutrients while recovering from the damage. The compost has been ordered and will be applied once it arrives this week. Supplemental watering will also commence with the existing irrigation system until a specific water system can be set up for the tree.

The wound itself is being allowed to go through its self-healing process, which entails letting the tree sap naturally cover the wound to prevent moisture and disease from entering. After a period of two to three weeks, a high-strength epoxy resin will be placed in the wound between the tree braces and the tree itself to fill the void.

Additional discussions on the care of the tree will focus on the appropriate amount of water and nutrients that should be provided for the tree. Staff is examining how much specific testing will be necessary to monitor the health of the tree during its recovery.

The fir was attacked late at night on Tuesday, April 29, by an unknown vandal who apparently attempted to chop it down with an axe. A $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to the chopper's arrest. The reward is offered by Crime Stoppers of Tacoma-Pierce County, which can be contacted at 253/591-5959. The University Place Police Department is investigating the crime.

The tree is the course's signature image, appearing in magazine, newspaper and television news accounts of Chambers Bay's numerous accolades, including selection as the 2015 U.S. Open and 2010 U.S. Amateur site. It also is used in the course's advertising and marketing materials.

The fir also is home for bald eagles and a point of reference for golfers and walkers on the Soundview Trail, which traverses the course near the tree's location between the 15th green and 16th tee.