Over the past several years, the Greens & Grounds Committee, Board of Directors and Agronomy team have discussed the number, location, condition and long-term maintenance of palm trees throughout our golf courses.

We recognize that some members may have the impression that Westbrook Golf Club intends to remove all, or even most, of the palm trees.

That is not the plan.

Westbrook Golf Club currently has approximately 512 palm trees throughout the Lakes and Vistas golf courses. The proposed management plan would selectively remove approximately 180 palms over three years, leaving approximately 332 palms throughout the property.

The goal is not to dramatically change the character of our golf courses. It is a selective, long-term tree-management program focused on palms that provide limited strategic value, negatively affect surrounding turf, or have become increasingly difficult or costly to maintain.

Why some palms have become a concern

Mature palms develop a broad, extensive root system that competes with surrounding turf for water and nutrients. In areas near greens and other closely maintained turf, this can make it more difficult to maintain healthy, consistent playing surfaces and may require additional irrigation and fertilizer.

Large palms can also reduce sunlight and air movement around the turf, while fallen fronds add to ongoing maintenance.

Some palms have grown to more than 95 feet tall—beyond the safe reach of conventional boom trucks. Maintaining these trees requires specialized contractors and, in some cases, manual climbing. The height, specialized equipment, skilled labor, insurance and safety requirements increase the cost of this work and, ultimately, our golf course maintenance expense.

A selective, three-year approach

We are not removing palms simply because they are mature. Individual trees and locations are being considered based on their condition, impact on turf, strategic value, safety, maintenance requirements and long-term cost.

The work will be completed gradually over three years. Whenever practical, removals will be coordinated with scheduled course closures, overseeding and future turf-conversion work to minimize disruption and complete the work efficiently.

There is also a financial benefit over time. Removing selected palms eliminates recurring trimming and maintenance expenses, helping offset the initial cost of removal. The three-year approach allows the Club to manage both the removal expense and the resulting ongoing savings within our annual budgets.

What Phase 1 will look like

Below is a link to an initial view of the palm trees proposed for removal during Phase 1. Each hole on the Lakes Course is shown with a before-and-after image to illustrate the anticipated change.

We believe these images provide helpful perspective. You will notice that the “after” views are not materially different from the existing course appearance. The intent is to improve course conditions without changing the overall character and feel of the golf course.

Phase 1 currently proposes the removal of approximately 60 palms on the Lakes Course, representing the first stage of the Club’s three-year plan to selectively remove approximately 180 palms across both courses. Phase 1 will focus on selected palms surrounding the greens, where their impact on closely maintained turf is most significant, as well as some of the tallest palms on the Lakes Course that have become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain.

The locations shown in the Phase 1 plan are proposed locations and may be adjusted during the thinning process based on turf needs, tree condition, maintenance considerations and overall course appearance.

Future phases will also address selected palms in fairway areas and near tee boxes, using the same thoughtful evaluation process.

Maintaining the character of Westbrook Golf Club

Palm trees are part of the appearance and character of our community, and we understand that many members enjoy them. The objective is not to create palm-free golf courses. More than 300 palms will remain after the proposed program is completed.

Our tree-management program is also not simply about removing trees. Over the past 10 years, Westbrook Golf Club has proactively planted more than 150 trees of various species throughout our two golf courses. Six new trees have been planted this year, with additional planting planned.

Our goal is to maintain an attractive, healthy and sustainable landscape while placing and maintaining trees where they provide the greatest benefit to the golf courses and our members.

Our commitment to members

We know that changes to a familiar landscape can generate questions and strong opinions. That is why we want members to understand both the purpose and the scale of this program.

This is not clear-cutting, and it is not an effort to eliminate palms. It is a measured course-management decision intended to improve turf health, use water and maintenance resources responsibly, control long-term costs, and preserve the beauty and playability of our golf courses for years to come.

Our promise to the membership is that we will approach this program thoughtfully, responsibly and transparently. We will continue to evaluate the work as it progresses, communicate the timing and locations of planned removals, and keep the membership informed about the results.

The Board, Greens & Grounds Committee and Agronomy team are committed to being good stewards of this important Club asset.

Our goal is simple: maintain a healthy, beautiful and sustainable golf course while preserving the character that makes Westbrook Golf Club special.