8 Tips for Building a Treehouse

7 / 8 Once your treehouse is complete, add fun accessories to make it a special place for your kids to play: 8 / 8 Most kids dream of a treehouse. But take a few safety precautions before you jump into building:

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Cool Treehouse Accessories You Can Buy Or DIY

Once your treehouse is complete, add fun accessories to make it a special place for your kids to play:

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Family Handyman

Be Conscious of Treehouse Safety Issues

Most kids dream of a treehouse. But take a few safety precautions before you jump into building:

Tree damage

Even the most carefully built treehouses will damage the tree they’re in. The increase in foot traffic around the base compresses the soil, harming the roots. So does adding weight to the branches. And holes in the tree from fasteners can become infected.

If you have a particularly beloved tree, don’t risk the damage. Pick a different tree to build in.

How to minimize tree damage

Take these precautions:

  • Use ground supports to take some of the weight off the branches
  • Think carefully about each hole you put in the tree and make sure it’s really necessary before drilling.
  • Spread out your fasteners at least 18 inches apart vertically and at least 12 inches apart horizontally.
  • Avoid throwing cables or ropes over the branches, which can damage the bark.

Neighborhood concerns and municipal regulations

Depending on your neighborhood, you may need a permit. Check your local laws before building. It’s also a good idea to check with your neighbors to make sure everyone’s OK with it. Avoid building your treehouse in a place that might infringe on their privacy or property.

Injuries

To keep your kids safe, we don’t recommend building taller than eight feet. We also strongly urge you to build adequate safety railing. And warn your kids to stay out of the treehouse in a storm, especially if there’s lighting or strong winds.

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