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Old 06-26-2021, 12:15 PM   #1
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Do Any Of You Trim Trees in Campgrounds?

The new norm seems to be under staffing and deferred maintenance. One thing that I noticed as a consequence is low hanging branches in the campgrounds. I have the light surface scratches all over the front of my motorhome. We just returned from a trip to our favorite campsite and if they do not trim the trees we will not get into the site next year. Does anyone carry a saw to trim these branches? I know it is against the rules in most campgrounds but someone has to do it. I was considering purchasing a pole saw to trim our way free into these sites.
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Old 06-26-2021, 12:16 PM   #2
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I think that would be asking for trouble.
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Old 06-26-2021, 12:17 PM   #3
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Doesn't sound like a bad idea,
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Old 06-26-2021, 12:22 PM   #4
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The first thing to do is get written permission to trim the tree(s) from the park itself. I have trimmed a few limbs at some local parks but I got the attendant to sign a note that it was ok before I did it.
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Old 06-26-2021, 12:24 PM   #5
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We were campground hosts for many years in Wisconsin state parks and if someone tried tree trimming we would have been on them right away. But we also had a crew of rangers bolstered by a crew of summer help- today there is no one. We have not seen a ranger yet this year. There are signs on bathrooms stating they do not clean regularly. Offices are closed, check in is done on-line. Very few camp hosts are left in our state. I doubt if they would even care if they saw me. The slim staff might be thankful someone did the trimming.
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Old 06-26-2021, 04:07 PM   #6
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We have trimmed small branches.
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Old 06-26-2021, 04:11 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Chaplain Kent View Post
The new norm seems to be under staffing and deferred maintenance. One thing that I noticed as a consequence is low hanging branches in the campgrounds. I have the light surface scratches all over the front of my motorhome. We just returned from a trip to our favorite campsite and if they do not trim the trees we will not get into the site next year. Does anyone carry a saw to trim these branches? I know it is against the rules in most campgrounds but someone has to do it. I was considering purchasing a pole saw to trim our way free into these sites.
YOU bet i do . if the campground will not keep clear access i do it my self . Not to go over board with it but a cut here and there normally does it . never had anyone say anything Even the guys directing to the site .
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Old 06-26-2021, 04:15 PM   #8
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Old 06-26-2021, 04:18 PM   #9
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There is a very nice Park in Tehachapi CA we like to use for overnight layovers when making the Yuma AZ run. It is on the South side of Hwy 58 behind the Flying J and Chevron and very pleasant. This is not the Park on the North side of the Hwy near the Airport. They have signage that states if you break or 'trim' a branch you will be asked to leave immediately...
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Old 06-26-2021, 04:20 PM   #10
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I do not recommend it. It could get you a nice fine if in a federal or state campground. There is a major push to protect and preserve while still allowing the public to enjoy. If you are concerned about vegetation contact the park management and they will handle it.
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Old 06-26-2021, 04:44 PM   #11
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For the past 20+ years I've always carried a set of loppers and an electric chain saw. I'm not going to scratch the entire length of my fiver or poke small holes in the rubber roof as a branch bounces along the roofline just because maintenance is lack. I don't make a point to trim, but have done so in sight of Midwest camp hosts ... without issue. Like mentioned, with low levels of park staffing seemingly coast to coast, I bet many campgrounds are grateful. I don't stay in National Parks, so that is of no issue to me.
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Old 06-26-2021, 04:44 PM   #12
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Trimming Trees's

This is really a common sense issue. If you think you need to trim a branch or two, stop by and ask if it's ok. I would also ask it's ok to trim other branches that obviously need it.
This is not an issue you want to take for granted. However, we have helped clean up sites that need it to help the park staff. We typically came in NYS State parks...
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Old 06-26-2021, 04:59 PM   #13
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I do. Figuring I am doing their job. Aren’t you paying for unobstructed access to and on your site to include awnings and slide outs as long as you are parked properly? No power tools, just a short pole saw and lopers.
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Old 06-26-2021, 07:16 PM   #14
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When there is a branch rubbing against my RV, I trim just enough to not have it hit. I always allow maximum area away from branches when parking, but sometimes I wack the ends when necessary.
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Old 06-26-2021, 07:29 PM   #15
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I could probably come up with a dozen or so LEGAL reasons why that could be a BAD idea.
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Old 06-26-2021, 07:31 PM   #16
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I do. Figuring I am doing their job. Aren’t you paying for unobstructed access to and on your site to include awnings and slide outs as long as you are parked properly? No power tools, just a short pole saw and lopers.

Short answer: NO
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Old 06-26-2021, 07:42 PM   #17
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If nobody sees it happen did it really happen?
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Old 06-26-2021, 08:02 PM   #18
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If nobody sees it happen did it really happen?
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Old 06-26-2021, 08:05 PM   #19
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I’ve always done that, sometimes on top of the motorhome as the wife drives in. I don’t care for tree pinstripes.
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Old 06-26-2021, 08:17 PM   #20
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Over 10 years of RVing, I've stayed in numerous campgrounds / RV Parks. NONE of them looked kindly at people who, ON THEIR OWN, decided it was OK to cut trees / brush / etc. If you feel there is a REAL problem, ask to be moved to a different site or, have a staff member do the actual trimming or, move to a different park.
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