В штате Небраска расследуют случай отравления деревьев гербицидом при строительстве гольф-клуба

State investigates herbicide overspray damaging trees near new Elkhorn-area country club OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Several homeowners living next to a country club under construction are worried about protection from golf balls and the look of their backyards after a chemical overspray damaged trees along the course. Chris Johnson lives along the fairway of Coffeetree Country Club, which may open for golf later this year. He says in mid-June, an applicator’s weed and brush killer blew off course and into his tree line. “I’m just a little worried that the tree is ultimately dying versus getting burnt from the chemicals,” Johnson said. An estimated nine fairway neighbors, including Deb Timm, have seen their trees in distress. “There’s a lot of damage to the lower branches on the smaller trees especially,” Timm said. State-licensed applicator Gavin Maguire handled spraying the herbicide along the course. Neighbors claim a drone was used during the application. “Well, I think they could have taken a better approach. I don’t know if you should use a drone when you are this close to so many people’s personal property,” Timm said. State investigation The Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirms an inspector has documented tree damage, and the alleged overspraying that caused it is under review. Course developer Brett Clure has retained an independent consulting arborist who has inspected the tree lines to assess the effect of the spray. Clure sent a statement saying a majority of affected trees have set buds for next year and that he is optimistic about their recovery. He says an accurate health analysis of the trees should be available by May of next year. An independent assessment Three neighbors hired their own certified arborist, Joel Kaysar, to evaluate the damage. “You can see the top 50 percent of this tree has been completely fried,” Kaysar said. Kaysar, who has 24 years of experience, says it is too early to determine which trees can be saved. “Too early to tell which ones are savable and which ones are not. Some things it’s a complete death sentence, but sometimes trees are resilient and sometimes they can come out,” Kaysar said. Kaysar says survival for many of the affected trees will require significant care. “They are going to have to give the trees as much TLC as they can, which is going to cost a lot. I’d get an expert in here to do deeper fertilization that’s going to include your micronutrients,” Kaysar said. What comes next The developer says he will stay involved to make sure the situation is handled professionally between all parties. The applicator says he is working closely with the course owner and, like all certified applicators, carries insurance. The developer says those involved with the spraying will meet with any neighbor who wants to evaluate the effects on their property. “We don’t know what to expect or ask at this point, but it’s making sure that it’s being addressed and our concerns are being heard,” Johnson said. The full extent of the damage may not be known until it becomes clear how many trees recover next spring. Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.