All children in the world share the dream of having a tree house. This little retreat guarantees fantastic adventures in your own backyard or near a forest and creates unforgettable memories. A symbol of childhood, the hut in the treetop feeds dreams and gives free rein to the imagination. Whether bought ready-made as a kit or self-built, the tree house for children is always a great idea. If you want to build a tree house, you must first determine whether the tree is suitable for it. The choice of materials should also not be underestimated, as the safety of children is of the highest priority. Today we will give you a few tips and show you pictures of beautiful tree houses. Your kids will definitely be thrilled!
Is your tree suitable for a tree house?
Childhood is a time of wonder and imagination is the playing field. An outdoor playground gives children a place to explore different fantasy worlds. In this regard, a tree house provides a perfect environment for children to develop their vivid imagination. In a treehouse, children can pretend to be pirates on the high seas, adventurous astronauts, culinary master chefs, or whatever their hearts desire.
If you have large trees with thick trunks in your yard, you can create an idyllic playground high up in the treetops for your kids or grandkids. Safety is a priority with tree houses, so you’ll need to choose a suitable tree. Use the tips in this article to review your yard’s trees and find the perfect foundation for a treehouse.
Consider the design and use of the tree house.
Before you examine the garden trees, you should have a clear picture of what you want the treehouse to look like. Most designs for children have a simple square or rectangular shape. These simple shapes make it easier to add walls on all sides.
Tree houses for kids are also safer if they are built close to the ground. Being close to the ground makes climbing up and down easier.
You have many options for personalizing your treehouse. For example, you can add a porch with a high railing, a slide, a tire swing, or stairs for easy access. All you need is a strong tree to anchor the house.
Examine the tree trunk
A strong, straight trunk is essential for a solid, safe tree house. You may want to start your search with the following tree species, which are traditionally perfect for tree houses:
- Oak
- Ash
- Fir
- Beech
Experts recommend choosing a trunk with a diameter of at least 20 cm. This is approximately the size of a standard cake pan. This diameter indicates that the tree has reached the right maturity to develop a deep root system. A thick trunk and deep roots mean the tree can tolerate strong winds. And make sure you choose a tree with a long lifespan. You don’t want your treehouse to outlast the tree.
Give the tree a health check
When examining trunks of potential trees, look for signs of disease. Your first clue is healthy tree bark. Next, be on the lookout for tree diseases such as fungal decay or rot.
Wood-destroying insects can also destroy the bark and parts of the wood core. If you identify infected or infested trees, have the tree cut down to prevent the problem from spreading to other trees.
Check the size and distribution of the branches
After examining the tree trunk, look at the branches and twigs. The strongest branches are growing up from the trunk at almost exactly a 90 degree angle.
Sometimes there are much more branches on one side than on the other. The extra space on the side with fewer branches becomes the perfect spot for your treehouse.
If no trees seem to have the perfect distribution of branches for a treehouse, call an arborist. In many cases, they can trim excess branches to create enough space to build a tree house.
Prevent trouble with neighbors
Consider how close the tree is to the edge of your property and your neighbors’ homes. Decide how much privacy your tree house should have from these nearby homes. Even if you plan to have a treehouse that is only a few feet from the ground, your neighbors probably don’t want their children to have an uninterrupted view of their yard. At the same time, you should also consider whether the kids can enjoy a nice view while they play. Try to find a tree that will give kids some privacy so they can immerse themselves in another world while playing.
Build the perfect tree house for kids
With the tips above, you should be able to find a sturdy tree on your property that is well suited for building a tree house. Choosing the right tree will ensure that your tree house will last for generations to come. Once you’ve selected your perfect tree, be sure to adjust the design accordingly. Browse through our image gallery and get inspired!
