I worked for years under my camp's towering stretch of old-growth redwood trees. The trees framed the trails and provided a perfect backdrop for every adventure — from games in the meadow to moments around the campfire. Trees are more than just part of the landscape at camps; they’re an integral part of the experience. But as beautiful as they are, they also come with responsibility. Those same trees can become serious safety risks without proper care and attention, turning a peaceful setting into one filled with potential hazards.

Tree management is essential for maintaining these places’ safety and magic. Prioritizing tree health isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s about preserving the unique atmosphere that makes these spaces so special. A proactive approach ensures that campers, staff and guests can continue to enjoy all that the natural world offers without the danger of falling limbs or unstable trees.

Dead or weakened trees certainly pose immediate risks, but even healthy trees can be dangerous if high winds or severe weather strike, potentially causing them to fall. Having a comprehensive tree management plan can help mitigate these risks by identifying and addressing issues and problem areas and ultimately providing a less volatile environment for your campers and staff.

Developing a Tree Management Plan

When implementing a strategic approach to maintaining the health and safety of the trees within your camp, there are many factors to consider. To get started, here are some key components that should be included in every tree management plan:

• Assessment and Inventory: Begin with a thorough assessment of all trees on your camp’s property. This includes identifying species, age, health status, and any potential hazards. It’s essential to understand what makes a healthy tree and how to spot defects. Tools like GIS mapping can be helpful in creating a detailed inventory. Mississippi State University Extension offers great information about tree health assessment and risk management, as well as a tree assessment and risk management plan that is an excellent tool to get you started.
• Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections to monitor tree health and identify issues early. Inspections should be conducted by certified arborists who can spot signs of disease, pest infestations and structural weaknesses. Consider adding inspections to your annual work plans in spring, winter, and after any storms.
• Maintenance and Care: Implement routine maintenance practices such as pruning, mulching and fertilizing. Proper care helps trees withstand environmental stresses and reduces the likelihood of branches falling.
• Risk Management: Develop a risk management strategy that includes removing hazardous trees and limbs, especially those near high-traffic areas like cabins and trails and within striking distance of critical buildings. This also involves planning for emergency situations, such as storms.
• Documentation and Review: Keep detailed records of all tree management activities and review the plan annually. This ensures the plan remains effective and up to date with the latest best practices.

Enlisting Professional Help

While a well-crafted tree management plan is essential, its successful implementation often requires the expertise of professionals. Certified arborists bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that can significantly enhance the safety and health of your camp’s trees. Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring them:

• Expertise and Certification: Certified arborists have the training and knowledge to assess tree health accurately and recommend appropriate actions. Look for professionals certified by organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
• Specialized Services: Arborists offer a range of services, including tree health inspections, pruning, removal and emergency response. They can also provide treatments for pest infestations and diseases.
• Safety and Compliance: Professional arborists follow industry standards and safety protocols, ensuring all work is performed safely and in compliance with local regulations.
• Long-term Planning: Arborists can help develop long-term tree management plans that align with the camp’s goals and budget. This includes selecting appropriate tree species for planting and advising on landscape design.

Curious how to go about hiring professional help? University of Minnesota Extension provides some great information, considerations, and guidelines in how to hire a tree care professional.

Ready to enlist professional help? ISA provides options to find an arborist, as well as verify if an arborist has an ISA credential. You can search for a consulting arborist via ASCA.

By implementing a robust tree management plan and enlisting professional help, your camp can ensure the safety of your campers and the health of your trees, creating a sustainable and enjoyable environment for everyone for many years to come.

Additional Resources

• Arbor Day Foundation — Tree Health Guide.
• Arbor Day Foundation — Storm Recovery.
• USDA Forest Service — Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States.

Sources

• girlscoutsneny.org/en/camp---properties/Forest-Management.html
• davey.com/
• savatree.com/tree-service
• extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional
• filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Outdoor%20Program/pdf/21-300.pdf
• arborday.org/trees/health/arborist.cfm
• arborwell.com/services/tree-management/
• extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/P3717_web.pdf

About the Author

Tori Barnes is a risk control specialist at Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. Her experience includes 25 years of directing day and resident camp and youth development programs with focused work on leadership and learning development, risk and crisis management, and LGBTQ+ issues. As the former assistant director of accreditation with the American Camp Association, she is a strong advocate for health and safety in camps and served on ACA’s Crisis Hotline Team.

This blog was sponsored by Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I.

Periodically, the American Camp Association (ACA) makes timely and relevant information about products and services available to its members so they can make informed decisions for their camps. However, the ACA does not endorse products, services, or companies.