Do Any Of You Trim Trees in Campgrounds?

[2nd A frame camper]

Here in Colorado the forest are very tenuous. With little rain and hot weather, last thing the trees need is trimmed, or even cut. In fact most national forest and national parks it’s illegal to collect downfall and has a pretty hefty fine. Best thing to do is keep your clippers and hatchets put away and buy firewood from the host or a local store.

[Foothills]

The way I see it we are responsible for where we put our rigs-I know a state highway overhead RXR bridge with a posted clearance of 13 ft 3 inches. Several truckers get caught there every year. Is the highway dept going to move it because your rig is too high? (rigs keep getting higher and higher) And TitanMike,there are getting to be a lot more security cameras around-just saying...

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by ActionJackson

I have been to many parks where I park centered on my designated site and there is a 2 foot branch rubbing on my rig. I cut it. Not a matter of “avoiding “ it.

Again, you have control of where you park, center of the spot or not. If a branch is going to rub your rig, you made the choice to put it there. If you make the choice to cut a branch in a private park without permission, that makes you "that guy"!

[Dakota 1120]

NEVER had a need to trim a branch and don't carry a saw either

[miniceptor86]

Originally Posted by Chris Pastuzyn

Doesn't sound like a bad idea,

Having been a Iowa State Parks Ranger for 31 years and five years as a seasonal for the National Park Service I would have a very dim view of tree trimming by visiting public.

First is a safety concern especially for the person who is on top of the camper while it is being backed into a campsite. You not only endanger your self but others who may be responding to your injury.

There is also the concern of damage to the tree. Improper technique can lead to long term impacts on the trees’ health. Timing of tree trimming can be a factor. Oak wilt is fatal, it’s spread by a small beetle that is attracted to oak sap so trimming oaks during most of the recreational season can be a death sentence.

When choosing the size of your RV you must accept the fact that you may not be able to use some sites or camp grounds. I realize that with my 30’ TT.

Sorry if you don’t fit.

[dedobias]

Originally Posted by Surveyor 295qble

I usually camp on Corps sites. (Not Core.)

The trimming of trees etc. is a violation 36 CFR.

(b) Cutting or gathering of trees or parts of trees and/or the removal of wood from
project lands is prohibited without written permission of the District Commander.

This was obviously intended to prevent harvesting, not minor trimming.

[chaps2018]

I am tired of being exposed to damage to my rig when pulling into campgrounds/sites.

That means low hanging trees, narrow roads, trees that block my entry points and narrow sites. What really chaps me is when having a mandatory escort who provides parking guidance but allows this stuff to scratch my rig or touch my rig after slides are deployed.

My expectation is if you asked for my rig size (and perhaps slide configuration) then you have ensured the site you rented me will accommodate my rig. There are many places I can’t go with a 40’ 5er and I am ok with that.

Now to prevent problems, we have a mid-profile 5er (13.1’ tall) and I diligently read reviews from other 5er members on www.campgroundreviews.com to look for comments on avoiding low hanging branches and narrow roads and any other problems campers might face (ie, tight turns, etc).

I go to many State, COE and private parks annually and have realized Rangers are not RV’ers. While they are somewhat sensitive to the cause, they don’t understand we have “skin in the game” with respect to repairing damage to our rigs.

When I run into problems entering a site I try to fold the offending branch behind another to keep it off the rig or worst case-trim it (I carry battery powered sawzall type tool and small hand saw). The branches in question are typically less than 1” diameter.

I could block the road half way into my site until I get a park staffer to trim for me but you guys will thank me in advance for not holding up the start of your stay.

In all cases when mentioned to park staff the subject they said go ahead, which shocks me.

A buddy of mine carries a pole trimmer in his rig. He has a high-profile 5er and considers it paying forward to ensure the site accommodates his rig but yours as well. Again, small branches only (>1”)

[Iwritecode]

I trim the trees on my site when needed. Anything that comes low enough to scrap the roof.

I also have to mow the grass and pull the weeds so....

I guess being on a seasonal site is a bit different.

[mtpocket]

I trim and don’t ask. Properly maintained campgrounds don’t need trimming.

[miniceptor86]

Originally Posted by chaps2018

I am tired of being exposed to damage to my rig when pulling into campgrounds/sites.

That means low hanging trees, narrow roads, trees that block my entry points and narrow sites. What really chaps me is when having a mandatory escort who provides parking guidance but allows this stuff to scratch my rig or touch my rig after slides are deployed.

My expectation is if you asked for my rig size (and perhaps slide configuration) then you have ensured the site you rented me will accommodate my rig. There are many places I can’t go with a 40’ 5er and I am ok with that.

Now to prevent problems, we have a mid-profile 5er (13.1’ tall) and I diligently read reviews from other 5er members on www.campgroundreviews.com to look for comments on avoiding low hanging branches and narrow roads and any other problems campers might face (ie, tight turns, etc).

I go to many State, COE and private parks annually and have realized Rangers are not RV’ers. While they are somewhat sensitive to the cause, they don’t understand we have “skin in the game” with respect to repairing damage to our rigs.

When I run into problems entering a site I try to fold the offending branch behind another to keep it off the rig or worst case-trim it (I carry battery powered sawzall type tool and small hand saw). The branches in question are typically less than 1” diameter.

I could block the road half way into my site until I get a park staffer to trim for me but you guys will thank me in advance for not holding up the start of your stay.

In all cases when mentioned to park staff the subject they said go ahead, which shocks me.

A buddy of mine carries a pole trimmer in his rig. He has a high-profile 5er and considers it paying forward to ensure the site accommodates his rig but yours as well. Again, small branches only (>1”)

One key is that you asked. I may or may not have approved or taken care of the problem myself. I appreciate that you asked.

When I was working we did not guarantee that your RV would fit in our camp area. It was up to the individual to make that decision about the campsite as found. Moving the campfire ring, making you own campfire spot, trimming trees were frowned upon.

When choosing your RV it’s the individuals responsibility to determine it’s suitability for there intended use. One of the criteria should be were you intend to camp and any size restrictions that may impose. I have a 30’TT and realize that it would not fit or would I be able to maneuver it in many of the sites at most of the parks I worked in. Those camp areas were developed in the fifties or earlier when a motor home was a station wagon and little has been done to accommodate the increase in popularity and size of RVs.


As to the comment that many park staff are not campers. I my case it wasn’t a way to take a break from work. I keyed into inappropriate activities, loud groups, drunks, wacking on trees etc, things I dealt with during work.

[5picker]

I find it appalling in this thread, the folks who would go to a COE/State Park or a private campground and believe the law doesn't apply to them and their R/Vs. Without a law, even common courtesy would suggest you don't alter someone else's property without permission.

As Scott mentioned, if you choose to back/pull into a site where you believe a branch or limb will cause you issues, that that is on you. You backed/pulled in and caused the scratch or scrape without due diligence of making sure you are in the clear for YOUR rig. The tree simply didn't jump out and do it on its own.

I always access the situation and if anything is suspect, I head for the office or the Ranger Station and let my rig sit. Respectful R/Vers won't care if you block the road while you are making sure your site is adequate for your rig. I don't just back/pull in, scrape it up and then complain about it or as someone mentioned, the sue word! Geez!

I have never encountered a situation when I believed branches to be a problem for me where there wasn't an amicable solution within minutes. Lawfully and respectably for all parties.

The camping world sure is changing and not for the better.

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by 2nd A frame camper

Here in Colorado the forest are very tenuous. With little rain and hot weather, last thing the trees need is trimmed, or even cut. In fact most national forest and national parks it’s illegal to collect downfall and has a pretty hefty fine. Best thing to do is keep your clippers and hatchets put away and buy firewood from the host or a local store.

National parks maybe . national forest not ! collect all the wood you want even get a firewood permit for felling trees and harvesting cords of wood . plenty of downfall in national forest free for the picking . .. now campgrounds will be different but boondocking on the million s of aces of national forest is pretty open . no fires this yr as bans are everywhere

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by 5picker

I find it appalling in this thread, the folks who would go to a COE/State Park or a private campground and believe the law doesn't apply to them and their R/Vs. Without a law, even common courtesy would suggest you don't alter someone else's property without permission.

As Scott mentioned, if you choose to back/pull into a site where you believe a branch or limb will cause you issues, that that is on you. You backed/pulled in and caused the scratch or scrape without due diligence of making sure you are in the clear for YOUR rig. The tree simply didn't jump out and do it on its own.

I always access the situation and if anything is suspect, I head for the office or the Ranger Station and let my rig sit. Respectful R/Vers won't care if you block the road while you are making sure your site is adequate for your rig. I don't just back/pull in, scrape it up and then complain about it or as someone mentioned, the sue word! Geez!

I have never encountered a situation when I believed branches to be a problem for me where there wasn't an amicable solution within minutes. Lawfully and respectably for all parties.

The camping world sure is changing and not for the better.

You're saying "the law" is exactly the same in every "COE/State Park or a private campground"? Is that the case? That seems overly general, broad brush to me and possibly/probably too general to know for a fact.

[CC75]

I would not trim trees without permission.

This thread is not going to chage anyone's mind. Interesting to see how strong everyone's feeling are about this issue. Very similar to PC or Mac, mask or no mask, jab or no jab.

[Adehnz]

A wise man once said it is easier to get forgiveness then it is to get permission! Do what you need to do to protect your RV

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

You're saying "the law" is exactly the same in every "COE/State Park or a private campground"? Is that the case? That seems overly general, broad brush to me and possibly/probably too general to know for a fact.

Nope... I didn't say anything of the sort. Some people have made it clear they don't care if there are laws/regulations and my comment was directed to those who know there are laws/regs in place but decide those laws/regs don't apply to them.

With that said, I've not been in ANY State Park/COE or privately owned campground which is open to the public over many, many years of camping that didn't have laws or regulations of some sort about cutting limbs or trees.

To ASSUME there there is no law/regulation when it isn't your property and then go ahead and cut or alter without permission, is silly at best and damn uncourteous. Paying for a campsite does not give you the right to alter it without permission.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Nope... I didn't say anything of the sort. Some people have made it clear they don't care if there are laws/regulations and my comment was directed to those who know there are laws/regs in place but decide those laws/regs don't apply to them.

With that said, I've not been in ANY State Park/COE or privately owned campground which is open to the public over many, many years of camping that didn't have laws or regulations of some sort about cutting limbs or trees.

To ASSUME there there is no law/regulation when it isn't your property and then go ahead and cut or alter without permission, is silly at best and damn uncourteous. Paying for a campsite does not give you the right to alter it without permission.

OK... sorry. When you wrote "I find it appalling in this thread, the folks who would go to a COE/State Park or a private campground and believe the law doesn't apply to them and their R/Vs", I couldn't tell you were addressing that only to people who knew there were laws against such but chose to disregard them. I read it like I read often on this forum "It is illegal to pull a trailer with your propane tanks turned on" as a general, all cases law (which doesn't exist). Just getting clarification... that's why I put question marks in my questions. Peace.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Adehnz

A wise man once said it is easier to get forgiveness then it is to get permission! Do what you need to do to protect your RV

And that would be... don't put your R/V into a place that would harm it, not alter someone else's property without permission.

I see this was your 1st post. Welcome!

[Homebrew]

So far every campground we stayed at for the past 20 years has had some sort of rules regarding trimming of trees, some have had rules regarding not burning of broken dead branches on the ground.
We had a issue at one campground with a branch, we called the Gaurd booth and two rangers showed up with a gas powered pole saw, Problem solved .

[CT Sound Shooter]

Why would anyone think it's OK to trim a tree on someone else's property without permission? Here's another way to look at it: perhaps your RV needs to be a bit smaller and not the tree. Shade has a price. I understand being concerned about the scratches, but maybe you just need to deal with it or find larger sites without trees.
I don't want to imagine what parks would start to look like if all guests who want to start trimming trees on their own.


CTSS