If your children have always dreamed of having their own treehouse, making their dreams come true can be a rewarding experience. But the project demands careful consideration to ensure a safe and stable design, and this begins with the tree you choose. Taking the following steps, including enlisting the help of a trusted tree services team, can facilitate a smooth process and sound construction.

A Guide to Choosing Where to Build a Treehouse

Consider Location

To narrow down a location on your property, decide whether you’ll want to keep the structure hidden from neighboring properties. Then determine whether the treehouse will be on the smaller side or if you intend for it to span multiple trees. Also consider tree height—ideally, treehouses should be built close to the ground if they’ll be used by children.

Check for Decay & Disease

It’s necessary to select a live tree for your construction. Disease and decay could compromise the tree’s stability, so look for branches with fungi, peeling bark, hollowness, and no leaf growth. Generally, aging trees may be too weak to support added weight, while younger trees are typically too feeble for forts. Therefore, a tree in the middle stages of growth is best.

Look for Sturdy Branches

Thick, robust branches will act as a strong support system for your structure. Try to select a tree with limbs spanning out at 90-degree angles, if possible. Oak, ash, fir, beech, and apple trees tend to have sturdy branches, but elm and sycamore tree should be avoided. Seek out strong branches starting at the lower third of the tree, where wind damage is least likely to occur.

Get a Professional Opinion

Once you’ve pinpointed the perfect tree for your build, schedule a visit from a tree services professional to get an expert opinion. While the tips above will help guide you to the right tree, promoting the safety of your family is worth taking the time for this simple additional step. Experienced tree services contractors can detect even the subtlest signs of decay and disease, and they can also provide pointers to help you design and erect the fort while causing minimal damage to the tree.

 

Whether you’re planning a treehouse project for your family or looking to address a stubborn root issue on your property, the experts from Childers Tree Service can help. Serving York, SC, and the surrounding communities, this team has been providing quality tree services for more than 15 years. Tree trimming, stump grinding, and land clearing are just a few of their specialties you can explore online. Request a free estimate by calling (803) 627-3157.