Tree Replacement

I've heard many comments and have received many questions regarding the condition of our newly planted trees.  We had an opportunity this winter to purchase trees at greatly reduced pricing from a local tree nursery.  We purchased 30 Grand Firs, a species that has traditionally done very well on this property, with the intent to plant them during the late winter and early spring months.  Here is a photo of a Grand Fir that was planted on #18 within the last 5-7 years, not far from the recently planted ones that are quickly declining:

We planted 4 Grand Firs on the course last season that are striving and showing no signs of ill health.  Unfortunately, the awful winter and spring we've experienced this season did not afford us much opportunity to plant them.  Obviously, most of these trees have not fared well this time around and will need to be replaced.  This is a result of less than ideal planting conditions and extremely wet and cold weather, the wettest March on record and coldest April in 75 years, which resulted in many of the root balls of these new trees essentially sitting in pools of water after being planted.  We have negotiated a deal with the local nursery to replace those that did not survive.  We will begin planting the replacements next week and intend to have them all in the ground within 2-3 weeks (weather permitting).