Tree houses have long been the desire and private playhouse of many children. Parents either like the idea or oppose it for many reasons. Some of those reasons are safety concerns and tree damage. This article will give you some helpful tips in how to build a safe secure tree house.
1. Select the proper tree. Find a tree that has strong large limbs. These limbs will help support the base of your tree house. You will need 2 to 3 large limbs for support.
2. Build your tree house as close to the ground as you can. Limbs are larger and it is easier to construct.
3. Use your limbs for support. However, don’t use them as the only support. Don’t use nails and screws that go into the tree. Frame your base around the strong limbs. Use nails and screws to secure the base itself. The key is weight distribution on your limbs. Lag bolts in posts add to your support of the frame.
4. Never cut pieces out of the tree to support your tree house. You can prune limbs though, if necessary. This will allow you room to work on your tree house.
5. Less is better. Try to keep the weight low on your tree house construction. Remember, you will have weight from the children. Set a body limit on how many can be in the tree house at one time. This takes some talking with your children. They need to know what is and isn’t safe.
6. Build the floor (base) first. You can then work off of this platform. Once you have a secure and square base, the walls and ceiling will come easy. If the tree passes through the floor, leave room for tree trunk growth.
7. Always place the door so that the tree house can have easy access. Make sure that you have a good secure ladder. You don’t want children climbing up a tree to get in. I prefer wood or metal ladders. Rope ladders rot and are to flimsy for children to use.
8. Keep windows small. this is just safety common sense. Besides, it makes your walls more secure and gives children the privacy they seek. Windows should be just large enough to let in light. Don’t use glass either. The tree house needs ventilation.
9. If a tree is leaning to the right, try to build your house on the opposite. side. This will allow for balance and help strengthen the root system of the tree. (Less strain on them).
10. Once your tree house is built, you need to do several things. Test out the weight with large adults. this is a safe way to check out it’s stability. Keep out wasp and bee nests. They like to gather under the roof or the floor base. Advance spraying can solve this problem.
Notes; Let the children paint the inside walls. Place some outdoor carpet on the floor. I have seen them with used Astroturf. This also cuts down on splinters. A tree house is a challenge to construct. However, a solid and safe tree house can add lots of fun, for your children.
Finally, always teach your children how to play safe. This will require some good parenting tactics. You never want anyone to get injured from horseplay. Never play in a tree on a rainy day.
sources; The tree house guide.
