Arbor

 

In 2003, the Club initiated an effort to raise money to preserve our trees, a precious asset on our property as well as in Montgomery County. We titled this initiative “PRESERVE THE PENLLYN CLUB TREES”. 

The purpose of the solicitation was to have funds on hand to respond to: 

  • the current presence and future threat of bacterial leaf scorch on our unique oak tree collection;

  • the safety issue presented by the aging maple tree allee along the driveway;

  • the encroaching new building that loomed over our parking lot; and

  • the ongoing need to maintain and replace trees that present a danger to our membership around the property.

While we are able to do general maintenance pruning and elevation of many of the trees, after all these years – about 100! – there was clear need for a more managed approach to our special collection. After all, the trees are what give the Penllyn Club its old fashioned, cooling and calming atmosphere that we all treasure.

Of course, the tradition of raising money for trees at Penllyn is not new. Perry Benson had done a tree fund for many, many years. Perry used the money he raised to build the buffer around the perimeter of the property that protects us from the developments that started to surround us some thirty years ago. Thank you Perry for getting us started and keeping all the new building out of our sight lines. At least for a few hours, when we are picnicking or at a tea, we can pretend that time has stood still. 

In 2003 and 2004, we solicited funds and raised a total of $12,225. In each year, 30 families generously gave to this important effort. With the funds, we have been able to accomplish the following:

  • Remove all the aging maples from the driveway and replace them with a new crop of ‘October Glories’. Many of these have been dedicated to loved ones and/or people who have made a significant impact on the life at Penllyn.

  • Add to the screening in the parking lot to block the new construction right next to the fence. This will be an ongoing project until we are satisfied with the density of the screen.

  • Treat the trees that were affected by bacterial leaf scorch and keep the disease under control. When we inspected the trees in 2004, we did not see any evidence of the disease, because it had been exceptionally wet. It is a condition that warrants ongoing monitoring.

  • Remove a termite infested tree stump at the corner of the club house (stewards end) and replace it with an ‘October Glory’ maple.

  • Plant hydrangeas along the garage wall as you enter the Club parking lot, to soften the effect.