As a kid, didn’t we all dream of having our little magical place? Our getaway from frustrating schoolwork and uncooperative parents? So, why wait for your kid to beg you to build a treehouse?

Why don’t you start now?

The Decision-making And Preparation Phase

#1. Choosing The Right Tree

The health of the tree you choose is critical for laying the groundwork for your treehouse. If the tree is too old or too young, you will not have the necessary support for your treehouse, placing yourself and anybody else who enters the treehouse in grave risk. Your tree must be strong, robust, mature, and alive. Oak, maple, fir, and apple trees are ideal for treehouses. It is a good idea to have an arborist check your tree before you begin construction.

An ideal tree possesses the following characteristics:

• The trunk and branches are robust and durable.
• Roots that are both deep and established!
• There should be no sign of illness or parasites that can weaken the tree.

#2. Check With Your Municipality’s Planning Department

Learn about any local rules or ordinances that may be applicable to your treehouse project, like as height limitations. You may even require a permission to begin construction. Building limitations may apply if you have protected trees on your land.

#3. Speak With Your Neighbors

As a formality, it’s a good idea to talk with your neighbors and advise them of your plans. If your treehouse will be visible from or overlooking a neighbor’s property, they will be grateful. This easy step can prevent future complaints and possibly litigation. Though your neighbors will most likely acquiesce, doing so will make them more open to your proposal.

#4. Speak With Your Insurance Agent

Call your insurance agent right once to ensure that a treehouse is covered under your homeowner’s policy. If it isn’t, any possible damage caused by the treehouse will not be covered by your insurance.

#5. Choosing The Design

Once you’ve made your choice for a tree and are ready to go ahead with the project, get ready for the design stage.

Before you hammer in the first nail, you need to have a strong notion of the design of your fantasy treehouse. You may discover treehouse designs online or if you know how to construct, you can design your own. To verify that your design fits with the tree you’ve chosen, take precise measurements.

Additional Tips:

• To identify any possible problem spots, you might want to create a miniature cardboard model of your tree and treehouse.
• Don’t forget to plan for tree growth while planning your design. Allow enough room around the tree’s trunk for it to grow. It’s worthwhile to conduct some study on your individual tree species to assess its pace of growth.

#6. Choose Your Mode Of Assistance

You may support your treehouse in a variety of ways. Whatever approach you use, keep in mind that trees shift with the wind. Sliding joists or brackets are required to ensure that your tree and treehouse are not harmed by high winds.

#7. Choose An Access Method

Before you start building your treehouse, you’ll need to decide on an access mechanism, such as a ladder, that allows a person to easily enter the treehouse. Your approach must be safe and robust.

#8. Determine What You’ll Do With Branches That Are In The Way Of Your Treehouse

How will you construct around those annoying branches? Will you chop them off or include them in the treehouse plans? Will you construct around the branches or frame them in a window if you decide to include them in the treehouse? Before you begin creating, ask yourself these questions. As a result, when completed, your treehouse will reflect the care and preparation of its creator.

Now, once you are over with the preparation stage, it’s time to get to the real work. So, for more information, come back for part 2!