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As camping season approaches, campground managers must prepare for the potential hazards that come with nature, including tree damage. With the increase in extreme weather events—such as wind storms that have become more frequent and intense—being proactive about tree management is crucial. At Marshall+Sterling, our mission is to empower our clients to predict, prepare for, and preempt risks, allowing them to focus on what truly matters. In this article, we’ll explore best practices for handling tree damage at campgrounds, ensuring your property and campers remain safe.

Responding to Tree Damage: Immediate Steps

When faced with a tree-related incident, having a clear response plan can mitigate the damage and streamline claims processes. Here are the steps to follow if a tree falls on your property or a camper’s RV:

1. Take Property Damage Incident Reports: Document the incident immediately. Having a structured report will be invaluable for any insurance claims.
2. Document with Photographs: Take detailed photographs of the damage from multiple angles. Visual evidence is essential for supporting your claims.
3. Insurance Claims:
   • If a tree falls onto your building, you should file a claim through your business insurance.
   • If a tree falls on a camper’s RV, the camper must file a claim with their own insurance provider.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are prepared to address damage quickly and effectively.

Establishing Preemptive and Proactive Policies

To minimize the likelihood of tree damage incidents, establish comprehensive policies and procedures before a loss occurs. Here are key recommendations:

1. Define Camper Responsibilities: Create a clear policy stating that campers are responsible for any physical damage to their RVs. This helps set expectations and clarifies liability.
2. Hire a Tree Company or Arborist: Engage professionals to inspect the trees on-site regularly. They can identify and remove dead trees or limbs that pose a risk. Keep meticulous records of all work performed to demonstrate due diligence.
3. Regular Inspections: Schedule routine inspections of trees and take action as needed. Regular maintenance can prevent potential hazards and provides a log of your efforts in case of future claims.
4. Address Camper Complaints: Actively assess camper concerns regarding tree safety. Document your responses and any actions taken to resolve these issues.
5. Record Keeping: Maintain records of the tree company’s assessments and all staff interventions. This documentation will be crucial in defending against any liability claims.

Navigating Gray Areas: The Marshall+Sterling Approach

What happens when a camper raises concerns about a tree’s condition, and it subsequently falls, causing damage? This scenario often leads to a gray area regarding liability. Without proper documentation, it can be challenging to determine responsibility.

Consider this case study that illustrates the Marshall+Sterling difference:

A camper expressed concern about a tree over their site, but there was no record of the complaint or any action taken by the management or maintenance staff. When the tree fell and caused damage to the camper’s RV, our dedicated claims manager reviewed the situation with the campground owner.

The absence of documentation regarding the initial complaint and the lack of response created uncertainty around liability. The claims manager presented an option to the owner: consider a self-pay arrangement with a release form, rather than filing an insurance claim. This approach appealed to the owner, particularly in light of rising insurance costs and the desire to keep operational expenses down.

The claims manager then communicated with the camper, explaining that it was their responsibility to file a claim with their insurance. While the agency could assist, it could not make liability determinations. They agreed that the camper would obtain an estimate for the damages and submit it to the owner, who would then decide whether to handle the situation privately or through their insurance.

If it weren’t for the prior complaint, this matter would have likely gone directly to the camper’s insurance. Now, the owner had the flexibility to either file a claim on their commercial policy or settle the matter privately, providing them with options to manage their risk effectively.

Conclusion

In an era of increasing weather-related risks, campground managers must be proactive in their approach to tree management. By implementing clear policies, maintaining thorough documentation, and establishing a rapid response plan, you can significantly reduce your liability and protect your business.

At Marshall+Sterling, we are dedicated to empowering our clients to anticipate and prepare for risks, enabling them to focus on creating memorable experiences for their guests. By taking these steps, you’ll not only safeguard your campground but also enhance your reputation among campers who value safety and care.

For more insights on managing risks effectively, stay tuned for our upcoming newsletters, and feel free to reach out for personalized advice tailored to your campground’s unique needs. Together, we can navigate the complexities of risk management and ensure a successful camping season.