MadSci Network: Engineering
Query:

Re: what are the best trees to build tree houses on?

Date: Sun Feb 20 13:35:14 2000
Posted By: Larry Lear, Staff, Registered Architect w/B.A. in Exp. Psychology, Hobbs + Black Assoc.(Architects)
Area of science: Engineering
ID: 949446954.Eg
Message:

Dear Micky,

This is a good question, I'll do my best, however I'm not a tree expert.  

Luckily, I can answer your question from experience, I helped my son (and 
his neighborhood friends) build a tree house several years ago. In terms 
of the best "species", I'm not sure you need to be that specific. Major 
tree characteristics that you may want to consider are:

1. Deciduous trees vs. "evergreen" trees: The former will loose it's 
leaves in the winter season and your tree house will be exposed. Many of 
your large robust trees may fall into this catagory.

2. Location: You may want to make sure that your not located over any hard 
objects (sidewalks, asphalt, fences, stumps, sharp protruding objects, 
etc...) you get the idea. Obviously, the softer the ground below the 
better.

3. Tree shape: I would suggest a mature tree with large well established 
limbs that form a well formed "crotch" to cradle the floor system. Your 
main support for construction should be towards these large low "core" 
area branches. Again, not to high in the tree for safety reasons, limbs 
tend to get weaker, and tree movement from the wind is greater. Make sure 
the tree is in good health and watch out for insect and bird nests.
 
4. Construction: remember, the tree you choose is a living, breathing  
growing thing. When I helped my son with ours, we did not use any nails or 
screws on the tree itself. The floor system was fastened to the main limbs 
with strong cord, wrapped several times around the limb. We would check 
these connections frequently and provide LOTS OF REDUNDANCY. I looked at 
each critical connection and thought "what would happen if the connection 
failed". I would suggest you have at least one back up connection at each 
critical point if possible. As the tree grew, we would re-adjust the 
cords, otherwise the branch will be strangled. Also, when you finally 
decide to abandon the tree house, make sure that all of the cords are 
removed (or fasteners). I suppose you could use lag bolts for connections 
if the tree is large enough, but remember, you are forming a "symbiotic" 
relationship - try to do no harm to your "host". Also make sure that your 
parents are involved with your project and help when using dangerous 
equipment. Also, keep people away from below during construction, falling 
equipment can prove very dangerous.
I would use lightweight building materials wherever possible, such as your 
roof (plastic sheeting, tarp,...). Don't skimp on your floor system, this 
will be carrying the weight. Have your parents check all of your 
construction materials - weather resistant fasteners/materials are best. 
Remember, your tree will be growing, adjust accordingly.

5. BE CAREFUL - I'm sure there are some very large and beautiful tree's in 
your area (Colorado). Always remember:
a. Use LOTS of redundancy for your supports. If using cord, make sure it's 
weather/UV resistant. Also, it will tend to loosen, especially initially. 
CHECK ALL CONNECTIONS EVERYDAY!
b. Never take anything for granted. When your playing in the treehouse, 
have guard rails/walls to keep from falling out... Check their stability 
daily. Don't overload the floors/wall with too many people or let your 
parents have "wild partys" up there that may overwhelm the structure.
c. Be very careful not to drop things on to people below. A hammer can do 
a lot of damage even when dropped a short distance.
d. Stay out of trees during lightning storms and bad weather (pretty 
obvious huh!)

The main thing is to have alot of fun, and remember no girls allowed! 
(just kidding).

Other sites that may interest you before you start: www.cruzio.com and 
family.go.com.

Thanks for the good question - keep them coming!



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