An iconic Douglas fir located on the grounds of Pierce County’s Chambers Bay Golf Course and attacked overnight April 29 by an unknown person attempting to chop it down with an ax was recently stabilized and is in the process of recovery, according to county officials.
Over the weekend, excess soil was removed from around the tree (pictured) to help uncover the tree roots in preparation for a two- to three-inch application of compost around the base. The compost will help insure the tree receives a consistent amount of moisture and nutrients while it recovers 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 the tree. The county is also examining how much specific testing will be necessary to monitor the health of the tree during recovery.
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 tree is the world-class golf 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 is 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.