Common Misunderstandings About Treehouses
Nothing is more magical to children than having a treehouse in their very own garden. However, there are still some misconceptions surrounding treehouse construction that stop most parents from having one built. If you are not a professional treehouse builder, chances are you will most likely hold some of these misconceptions as well. In this article, we address some of the most common misunderstandings about treehouses.
1. Bolting and nailing into a tree will kill it
While it is true that putting bolts and nails in trees will cause some damage, healthy trees have their own ways of responding to the damaged area. They will add structural material to make the weak spot become stronger over time.
2. Treehouse platforms are not usually level
It is reasonable to see a crooked treehouse and wonder whether it is level. The answer is almost always yes, it is level. The platform may not appear level because the ground may be slightly sloped.
3. Treehouses will not remain level
Platforms will always stay level as tree tissues only extend at the tips of branches, and not in the middle of the stem. This means that if you put a nail in a tree at five feet above the ground, then it will always be five feet above the ground.
4. Treehouses are not safe
When a treehouse is built with the right hardware and techniques, they are not dangerous. In fact, it will be as though you are on a decking or patio. The only difference is that a treehouse should not be occupied during lightning storms!
5. There are no permits or permissions required for treehouse building
While many municipalities – especially those in rural or country areas – do not require building permits for treehouses or structures, some still have a set of rules and height requirements. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your local authority before you start building your treehouse. Our friendly team will be more than happy to discuss this with you.
6. Treehouses are only for children
The notion that treehouses are only for kids is absolutely false! Adults can enjoy treehouses as much as little kids. After all, a great treehouse is one that can be shared by everyone in the family – adults and children alike.
7. Treehouses can only be enjoyed in nice weather
With today’s innovative construction and insulation methods, a treehouse can be weatherproof so that you can enjoy it all year round. Better yet, your treehouse can also be equipped with plumbing, electricity, and climate control to ensure that you have everything you need without having to leave the comfort of your treehouse at all! Just be careful in those lightning storms…
8. Treehouses do not last long
Long-lasting materials such as mahogany, cedar, or pressure treated pine can make for a very durable treehouse that can last for as long as ten to over twenty years. In the case that the tree’s health deteriorates, support posts may be added to support the treehouse overtime as well.
9. All treehouses are expensive
While some treehouses can be expensive, it is not always the case – the most import consideration should always be quality, safetly and longevity. You can easily tailor and customise the design and construction of your treehouse to fit your budget.
Cheeky Monkey Treehouses specialises in making treehouses across the UK, Europe and further afield too – get in touch today to see how we can help.