Checking A Tree's Health

The summer of 2022 is in full swing. While some people like to go out of town on vacations, others take a different approach and enjoy a backyard vacation instead. So what does a backyard vacation look like? Examples include lounging by the pool, camping under the stars, and building a treehouse paradise. Building your own treehouse is doable, but if you want a stress-free summer, working with a treehouse building company, like Tree Top Builders, is the first step to building your backyard oasis. Building a treehouse might seem like an easy process, but crucial steps must be taken before any build to ensure that your tree is as healthy and sustainable as possible, so your treehouse can last for years to come.

What To Look For

First things first, you can't have a treehouse without its foundation, the tree. Therefore, checking your tree's health before construction is significant. When consulting with a builder, they will often ask what kind of tree(s) you are looking at for the build and the tree's health. However, there are a few steps you can take to help the builders gain better insight into the tree's well-being. Below are some great tips from knowledgeable tree caretakers that can help you decide if your backyard tree is ready for a treehouse!

• Inspect the Roots
  • Make sure that the root flares are visible and undamaged by lawnmowers, and that there hasn't been recent trenching or grading near the tree that can sever feeding roots or compact the soil.
• Check For Yearly Growth
  • A healthy tree will produce new growth yearly on its trunk and branches.
• Inspect Trunk Health
  • The tree's bark should not come off; it should be free of moss and should not have any large cracks or holes in them.
• Tend to Bare Patches
  • Lack of nutrients or water reaching certain branches and damage from animals eating the leaves are examples of areas of a tree that should be further taken care of.
• Check for Proper Leaf Color, Shape, and Size
  • Make sure the leaves are the right color for their season. In deciduous trees, green needles year-round are a healthy sign.
• Know the Signs of Disease
  • Some signs of disease in a tree include noticing invasive insects, distortion in the leaves, holes in the bark, and irregular growth on the branches.

If you follow these steps, you should know whether your tree is viable for a treehouse or not. If you want a second opinion, call in an ISA Certified Arborist, like our founder Dan Wright! Once you complete this process, you can leave the building to carpenters. Happy Building!