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Storms are getting more frequent and more intense, and campgrounds sit right in their path: acres of mature trees surrounding sites full of guests and RVs. The good news is that most tree damage is preventable, if you catch the warning signs before the storm does.
Trees give warning signs before they fall
It’s easy to think of tree damage as bad luck: a storm rolls through, and a branch comes down. In reality, most hazard trees show signs of trouble well before that happens, dead limbs, a noticeable lean, root damage, or disease. Catching those signs early is what actually prevents damage, not just documents it after the fact.
Build a simple maintenance routine
A few habits go a long way toward keeping your trees, and your campground, out of harm’s way:
- Schedule a professional arborist inspection at least once a year, and again after any major storm.
- Remove or trim hazard trees promptly once they’re flagged. Don’t wait for the next inspection cycle.
- Keep simple records of every inspection and every removal, so you have a clear history of how the property has been maintained.
- If a tree near a specific campsite needs attention, let that camper know what you’re doing about it and when.
If damage does happen
Even with a strong maintenance routine, storms can still cause damage. A few steps in the first hours make everything that follows easier:
- Complete a property damage incident report right away.
- Photograph the damage before anything is moved or cleared.
- Know who files where: damage to your building goes through your business insurance, damage to a camper’s RV goes through their own policy.
Build the plan now
Storm season doesn’t wait for a policy review. Put your inspection schedule and documentation habit in place before the next windstorm, not after.
