If you have plans to build a tree house, it is worth reading this article on how to avoid the worst trees for tree house building.
How to recognize that a tree is not suitable for a tree house is the first step in building a tree house
Let’s get started!
What Makes a Tree a Bad Choice for a Tree House?
Fluffy Soil Density
A strong base is essential for buildings to remain stable, whether it’s a house or a treehouse.
Trees that grow in loose or sandy soil are not suitable for treehouses since they don’t provide a stable foundation for the structure.
Choosing a soft foundation will cause the tree to tilt over time, making the treehouse unstable.
Therefore, it’s better to pick trees that grow in dense and compact soil for your treehouse.
The Depth of Tree Roots is too shallow
Trees with shallow roots are not good choices for treehouses because they are not able to support the weight of the structure.
In case of bad weather, such as a typhoon, the tree will be blown down, thus damaging the hard-earned treehouse.
Trees with shallow roots like willows, American hornbeams, and beechs are not suitable for building tree houses.
In general, ree roots usually grow between two to six feet deep, although some roots can grow deeper than that.
It is always safer to choose a tree with a deep root system.
Too Old or In Poor Health
It’s best to choose a young and healthy tree for your treehouse. Young trees are stronger and can hold the weight of the structure better. This will give your treehouse a stable base.
Trees that are old or unhealthy may not be able to support the weight of the structure. Keeping in mind that a treehouse is not just a fun play area, but also a long-term investment.
Thus, When picking a tree, we should look at how healthy it is now and how much it can grow in the future. Making sure that it can function for years to come.
To check if a tree is healthy, you need to inspect it from the bottom to the top. Look for any issues such as cracks, decayed wood, weak branches, and root problems. Also, check if the tree is built well and if any part of it is dead.
The Trunk and Branches Are Small in Diameter
The diameter of the trunk and branches is another key factor when choosing a tree for a treehouse. Trees with thin trunks and branches are not able to support the weight of the structure.
Thicker trunks and branches are stronger and can better withstand wind and other forces.
They also provide more space and flexibility, allowing you to make a bigger design to fit more people and activities.
The treehouse size and where it’s located on the tree determines the minimum diameter of the tree trunk. If the treehouse is 8’x8′ and supported by one tree, the minimum recommended diameter is **12″ or more**. If it’s supported by two or more trees, the minimum diameter can be smaller.
Not Enough Wood Density
Sometimes, you will find that some trunks are very large, but they are very fragile and easy to break. This is because wood density is not hard enough.
Trees with soft and porous wood may not be the best option for building treehouses since they cannot provide stable support. Additionally, soft wood may be more likely to rot and decay, which can be dangerous for people in the treehouse.
The way to judge whether the wood density is hard enough is to use a screwdriver to poke the tree trunk. If the tip of the screwdriver sinks into the wood easily, then the wood is likely too soft for a treehouse.
The Trees That Are Not Suitable for Building Tree Houses
Softwood Trees
Softwood trees like pine, spruce, and fir are not ideal for building a treehouse. They may be easy to work with, but they are not as strong as hardwood trees. Softwood trees are more susceptible to wear and tear and weathering.
They also tend to have a shorter lifespan than hardwood trees, which means they may not be able to support a treehouse for as long.
Trees with Weak Limbs
Trees with weak limbs, such as willow, birch, and poplar, are also not recommended for building a treehouse. These trees have a tendency to shed limbs, which can be dangerous for anyone in the treehouse. Weak limbs can make the treehouse unstable and increase the risk of it collapsing.
Trees with Invasive Roots
Trees with invasive roots, such as willow, poplar, and silver maple, can cause damage to foundations and sidewalks.
These trees should be avoided when building a treehouse. Their roots can grow into the foundation of the treehouse and cause it to become unstable.
Weeping Willow
Weeping Willows have shallow roots and brittle wood. This makes their branches prone to breaking, which can be dangerous for those in a treehouse. Furthermore, a Weeping Willow’s roots are not sturdy enough to create a secure base for a building. This can lead to the treehouse becoming unsteady or tilting with the passage of time.
Silver Maple
Silver Maple trees have soft, porous wood. The tree’s branches are prone to breaking. So, it’s best to avoid using Silver Maple trees for treehouse construction
Bradford Pear
Bradford Pear trees have weak branch unions and dense, hardwood. The tree’s branches are prone to splitting. The tree’s thick wood can make it hard to attach bolts or brackets for the treehouse.
Lombardy Poplar & Boxelder
The Lombardy Poplar and Boxelder are fast-growing trees that are not long-lived, which means they may not be able to support a treehouse for very long.
Birch (Various Species)
Birch trees have fewer trunk branches and cannot provide effective support points for tree houses. And birch trees grow faster, which means they may not be able to support a treehouse for very long.
Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Tree
Choosing the wrong tree for your treehouse can have serious consequences. Not only will it make your treehouse unstable, but it can also harm the tree itself.
The first consequence of building a tree house on the wrong tree is safety hazards.
Some trees are not strong enough to support the weight of a treehouse.
This could make the treehouse uneven, tilt, or collapse, which could hurt anyone inside or nearby.
The second possible consequence is Tree damage.
To make a tree house, you have to use nails and screws to attach materials to the tree trunk, but this can hurt the tree. When you make holes in the tree to attach items, it can let pests and diseases get inside and hurt the tree’s health.
So, How to Choose the Right Tree to Build A Tree House?
Plan Ahead for the Size and Height of Your Treehouse
Before selecting a tree, it’s important to plan ahead for the size and height of your treehouse. Think about how many people will use the treehouse and what activities they’ll do inside. This will help you decide how big and tall your treehouse should be. The type of tree you choose will depend on this too.
Consider Suitable Tree Species
The Treehouse Shop recommends using certain types of trees for building treehouses. Good choices include deciduous trees like beech, oak, lime, ash, elm, sycamore, chestnut, and many nut trees, as well as conifers like larch, pine, Douglas fir, and fir. These trees have strong trunks and branches that can support the weight of a treehouse.
Finding the Right Size Tree
Choosing a tree that is big enough. Home Depot says to pick a tree with a trunk that is at least 12 inches wide. Also, look for a branch that looks like a “Y” to make sure your treehouse is strong and stable.
Evaluate Tree Health
It’s crucial to select a healthy tree to ensure safety. Signs of disease or decay in a tree can put your treehouse at risk. Watch out for dead or broken branches, cracks on the trunk, or fungal growth on the bark. If you’re not sure about the tree’s health, ask a certified arborist for help.
Assessing Stability Based on Tree Roots
The stability of your treehouse depends on the stability of the tree’s roots. Look for trees with large, deep roots that provide a solid foundation. Avoid trees with shallow roots or those growing on a slope.
Consider the Long-Term Impact of Tree Growth
Finally, consider the long-term impact of tree growth on your treehouse. Trees can grow over time, which can affect the stability of your treehouse. Make sure to leave enough space between the treehouse and the trunk to allow for future growth.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, we’ve journeyed through the crucial aspects of selecting the perfect tree for building a tree house.
We’ve understood that not all trees are suitable for this whimsical endeavor.
The risks and consequences of choosing the wrong tree – from structural instability to potential damage to the tree itself – cannot be overstated.
Remember, the right tree not only ensures safety and longevity for your tree house but also respects and preserves the natural environment.
As you embark on your tree house adventure, I encourage you to use the insights and guidelines shared in this blog post.
And, of course, I’m curious to hear about your experiences and decisions.
Which tree did you choose for your tree house, and what made it the right fit?
Share your stories in the comments below!
