Last week, a large tree split and fell onto a preschool in Hampton, Virginia, while teachers and students were inside. Part of the tree landed on the building, and another part covered the playground. Thank the Lord, no one was hurt.
The cause has not been reported, and we do not want to speculate. But the story reminds every Christian school and preschool in our League of something easy to overlook: the trees on our campuses are part of our safety plan.
Why This Matters for Our Schools
Mature trees shade playgrounds, welcome families, and make campuses feel like home. They also grow, age, and weaken, often with little warning. A single failed limb can damage a building, injure a child, and close a school for days. We are called to steward the children entrusted to us, and that includes the ground they play and learn on.
A Practical Tree Care Checklist
- Schedule an annual inspection. Ask a certified arborist to evaluate every large tree near buildings, playgrounds, parking areas, and walkways.
- Check after severe weather. Walk the campus after storms, high winds, or flooding, and look for cracked limbs, leaning trunks, and exposed roots.
- Watch for warning signs. Dead branches, hollow or decaying trunks, fungus at the base, and sudden changes in leaf color all call for professional review.
- Prune proactively. Remove dead wood and trim limbs that hang over roofs and play areas.
- Mind the play zone. Keep playground equipment and outdoor learning areas out of the fall zone of large or questionable trees.
- Document everything. Keep dated inspection reports, invoices, and photos with your safety records.
- Review your insurance. Confirm that your policy covers property damage and liability from falling trees, and that your certificate of insurance is current.
Make It Part of Your Routine
Add tree inspection to your annual safety calendar alongside fire drills, playground checks, and building walkthroughs. LCS member schools can use the LCS Playground Safety Checklist to build outdoor safety into regular campus reviews. Visit the portal for valuable resources (https://member.LCS.education/portal)
“The prudent see danger and take refuge” (Proverbs 22:3).
A little attention today protects the students and teachers we serve every day.
Questions about campus safety or LCS resources? Contact the League of Christian Schools at info@ilcsonline.com or 800-961-9645.