It wouldn’t be considered nice to say that building a tree house is the only reason you should have children. That would be absurd! But creating a tree house is indeed in the top three reasons to have kids. It right up there with having kids mean having folks “who will mow your lawn for free.”
Here are some tips for constructing the perfect tree house.
Let the Tree Grow
Trees grow and move in the wind. They’ll sway sideways, apart, and together. You have to allow for their movement. If you’re building a tree house that unites more than one tree, secure the tree house to the biggest tree. The other connections should be made with floating brackets which move without being impeded by the house.
Number of Holes in the Tree
When you limit the number of holes in the tree, you limit the number of fungus and pathogens that could make the tree sick. Don’t put the holes any closer than 18 inches away from each other and never, ever in a single line. If you put the holes in a straight line, they will grow together into a damaging, single wound.
No Wood Against the Tree
If you put wood against a tree, that connection will gather water, and the beams will decay. Keep the beams around three to four inches away from the tree with a tree-house attachment bolt. If you need help with using the treehouse attachment bolt (TAB), get assistance from a tree contractor.
Build for the Future
Consider how long you’re going to use the tree house and put five years with that number. Then assemble with that time frame in mind as you allow space for growth. Contingent on the scope of the task, make the tree house adult size. Your children will leave someday (thank you, sweet Jesus!), and you’ll still have the tree.
Use Your Creativity
As tree specialists, we know plenty about tree houses, and a consultation with an arborist will provide the information you need so you don’t damage the trees as they grow around your treehouse. The bottom line is when you are planning and building your tree house, have fun! Use your creativity to personalize it with such things as sliding windows or a porthole in which you can look down at the ground. Pick some fun materials as well. Use salvaged lumber and if you take limbs off the tree, use them for railings. Let your imagination run wild. Hey, that what a treehouse is all about!
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