Tree House Planning Permission? The 80 Top Answers

Moving is always a big decision, but moving away from traditional living to treehouse living is a big step that can bring many benefits but also many pitfalls. As with any big decision, it’s crucial that you weigh the pros and cons to make the choice that’s best for you. We’ve thrown together everything we can to give you the facts about treehouse life.

So can I live in a tree house? Although it may not be the most common style of living, if you own the land your treehouse is built on and own the treehouse itself, then yes, you can live in a treehouse. Otherwise, you can live there without any problems as long as you have an agreement with the owner of the tree house. You also need to make sure you get and obtain local government approval before making the move, don’t do it without them.

There are a number of things to consider before venturing into the treetops. Make sure your move is legal You need to make sure you’re operating within the legal parameters of your local government requirements. What could be worse than moving into a tree house only to find out months or years later that you have to leave it. Worse, imagine building a treehouse and then being notified that you have to demolish it because it doesn’t meet building codes. Visit your local government office and sit down with the designer/engineers and inform them of your proposal. You’ll likely need to provide detailed information about plans and related information, but if you’re not willing to put in the effort now, expect a lot more effort to be put in later.

Expect to be judged

99.99% of the population in the western world lives in houses made of brick and mortar or wood and nails. If you tell your friends you live among the trees, you’ll be met with strange looks and strange questions about your sanity. However, it doesn’t matter and it shouldn’t, at the end of the day they aren’t the ones living in the tree house, it’s you! You can live in the comfort of a tree house and maintain a “normal” lifestyle, going to school and working if you want. Also, the movement is on the rise! Living in a tiny house or tree house is quickly becoming a popular way of living a simpler lifestyle.

Connected to nature

You really won’t find any other life form so intertwined with nature. Living among trees will help you be much closer to Mother Nature. Some of the advantages are:

Peace and Quiet: You’ll likely find that up in the trees there aren’t many noisy neighbors, apart from birds!

Reduced Stress: We are so used to living in concrete jungles that escaping to the treetops will likely result in a significant release of stress from your mind and body

Less Impact on the Earth: When done right, tree houses reduce the impact on the earth far beyond that.

Lower running costs

Tree houses are almost always much smaller than traditional houses and cost less to run, but that depends on the design. By minimizing the living space, less electricity, gas and water are required to keep the home comfortable through the changing seasons.

Treehouse residents may also consider the following to reduce living expenses:

Solar Panels: Installing solar panels allows you to reduce your dependency on the electricity grid and could be cheaper than hooking up new electricity meters etc.

Insulation: By installing insulation, you can minimize the electricity required to heat and cool the tree house

Water Tanks: Collecting rainwater and recycling water boosts your efficiency

There are so many ideas that are no different from the methods used in more traditional home construction.

avoid debt

The average real estate price around the world is amazing, and people are not destined to spend their lives paying off debts to enrich debtors. There’s more to life than that, these are the mouth-watering median property prices around the world:

The median home price in the United States is $221,000, source

The median house price in Australia is A$809,000, source

The median house price in the UK is £225,621, source

Since the cost of a tree house is relatively lower than a traditional house and plots of land in semi-remote areas of all the above countries are generally available at low prices, why not consider a tree house?

Less ties, more freedom

Since living in a tree house should bring you a lot less stress and less financial pressure, you should be less deterred from doing the things you’ve always dreamed of. With lower mortgage interest rates, almost no mortgage, and reduced utility bills, if any, you’ll be able to work less and spend more time with loved ones and enjoying the finer things in life. Maybe you want to travel the world or spend more time improving yourself; Living in a tree house gives you more free time, which means more opportunities for self-expression.

Limited space

If you’re moving into a tree house, be prepared for the necessary adjustments as there’s a lot less space available than you’re used to.

Expect some of the following issues:

Fewer Storage Options: Don’t expect an abundance of storage options for linens, luggage, and last year’s Christmas tree

Reduced Recreational Space: It’s unlikely you’ll have a theater or workout room, but you’ll likely have a fairly large yard

Smaller Bedrooms: Your rooms will be smaller, so be prepared for smaller beds, closets, even lower door frames, and ceilings

On the other hand, you’ll have fewer decisions to make about furniture types and you’ll make far more well-informed decisions. We are wasteful by nature, but that train of thought doesn’t last long in a tree house!

Try AirBnB before you move

You may not know this, but there are a number of treehouses that you can rent on AirBnB. If you’re undecided, a week in a tree house rental will certainly help you decide and will certainly give you further insight.

Check out some tree houses for rent here: www.AirBnb.com

Do people really live in tree houses?

There are a number of people around the world who live in tree houses; A simple Google search will help you find like-minded people who have made the leap to living among the trees.

Some of our favorites are:

The Korowai of Papua, Indonesia, with a population of over 3,000 people, are probably among the most advanced treehouse dwellers the world has ever seen. The tribe only came into contact with modern civilization in 1974. The entire tribe lives in tree houses that were most likely built to avoid flooding. Read a special report

Shawnee Chasser appears to have built one of the most remarkable treehouse structures and utility we have ever seen. According to her website, she even managed to turn it into a legitimate business and add a profitable dimension to this niche lifestyle, check it out

Although it is not a very popular life form, you will find many stories and tales of people living with trees, both past and present.

Can my children live in my tree house?

Sure, why not! There’s no reason why you couldn’t move your entire family into a tree house. However, you need to keep a few things in mind:

Will it affect the children in their social group? As we probably all remember, school can be a breeding ground for bullying, especially for anyone who doesn’t conform to the ‘status quo’.

can you get wifi Seriously, a lot of schoolwork requires the use of computers, and while it’s great to take your kids away from life’s distractions, they’ll probably want to stay connected in some way, so make sure you have a game plan

Be sure to include your kids in the decision-making process, far too often we overlook the little ones when it comes to big decisions. Be careful not to do this when it comes to this one, tree houses can stimulate the imagination and extend family time, but make sure you get their opinion and feedback first.

Remember that with our children we only get one chance before they grow up, make it remarkable and they will always cherish it.

Nothing is more exciting for a child than the prospect of a tree house in the back garden. Perched high in the branches, a tree house allows a child (or just those who are young at heart) to dream, escape from reality and harness the power of their imagination. Your kids can play games, let their imaginations run wild and create timeless memories while enjoying their very own palace in the sky. And yes – many adults love them too – one of the world’s leading treehouse builders builds most of its creations for adult use.[1]

Treehouses range from humble wooden boxes hanging between two trees to majestic wonderlands straight out of Never Never Land. Just check out some of these awesome treehouses from around the world![2] Even if you don’t have the time, skill, or trees to build something that over-the-top, your kids will love any treehouse. Whether you’re climbing up after your kids or relaxing on the ground on a Lutyens bench, it will be a feature in your garden for everyone to enjoy.

Regardless of what style you want to build in your garden, first think about the following tips. Happy building!

Start by consulting with the local council

Most councils in the UK have rules for building a treehouse that require full planning permission.[3] The construction process, materials and plans are often treated like any other construction project. In this case, you must obtain a building permit. You must also check your title deeds. Some have restrictive covenants that prohibit the building and/or installation of any structure (including sheds and other outbuildings) on your property.

It is important to note that some experience in construction is important. While you might imagine an easy and fun project for you and your kids, the structural integrity of a tree house is actually very important. Because if your treehouse isn’t sturdy, safe, and strong, the health and safety of your most valuable cargo—your children or grandchildren—is at risk. If you are new to construction, it is always best to hire a professional to do the work or help you through the process.[4]

Start by evaluating your trees

If you are considering building a tree house, you need to assess the trees in your back garden. You might see a whole bunch of plans online or get inspired by your neighbor’s cool tree house, but don’t get too attached to the design until you know what works for your trees. The width and sturdiness of your trees, the distance between them, their proximity to your house or a fence, and the height of the branches—all these factors determine the height, size, shape, and design of your tree house.

Trees are living and growing beings. Over time, your trees will continue to grow and change, and as such any construction plan must take into account the future growth of your tree. Never cut off large branches or trunks to support your tree house as this can make your tree susceptible to disease and infection. Ideally, your building techniques should be designed to support and support the tree and protect it from damage for decades to come. You can use Treehelp.com (tree care made easy).

Include the children in the whole process

The children should be involved. Building a tree house was a key selling point when we told our boys we were moving from the big, exciting city to a sleepy country town. I still have our older son’s hand-drawn plans of how it should look. (It’s close.) And they both hammered in nails and screws and found some cool knots that we incorporated into the design. they attended. [5]

Start building the platform

Your first step in building your treehouse is to build the platform as it will form the structure’s support system. Anchor the platform close to the trunk, making sure to allow some extra space for the tree’s future growth. It should be level with the ground and have a central balance.

Do not use nails to attach your platform to the tree as they are weak and easily come loose over time. Since you have to use a lot of nails, there’s a good chance they will damage your tree. Use large screws instead. Over time your tree will grow and expand beyond the studs. This process creates a tight bond called compartmentalization and makes the structure even stronger.

You can also use Garnier Limbs, artificial steel branches invented by treehouse pro Michael Garnier. You screw these branches to the tree and they can support up to 3600 kg, increasing the security of your tree house.[6]

A simple guide to building a tree house

After considering all of the above, it’s time to share a simple guide to building a tree house.[7] We like this rough plan of construction because there is a minimal number of screws to drive into the tree. We recommend building this tree house on a double trunk tree to add stability and strength to the structure.

Begin by hanging the floor joists

Measure at each of the two tree trunks about 3 or 4 meters above the ground. Use 3 pressure treated 2 x 12 inch boards and fan them out at this point. Place a beam on the outside edge and thread one through the central V. Support the outer ends of the beams with posts and clamps to keep them stable.

Drill 5/16-inch holes through the joists and thread ¼-inch diameter x 3-foot long galvanized steel threaded rods down through all 3 joists, but not through the trunks. Attach the 2 x 12 inch boards to the trunks of the tree by attaching nuts and washers to the bars. Tighten with a wrench. At this point, the 3 floor joists should be spread apart in the air.

Attach the platform to the beams

Using a cordless hammer drill, screw the joists to the tops of the 4×4’s using GRK 3 1/8″ Structural Screws. Consider pre-drilling the joists with bolt shank clearance holes to make the process easier. Attach the 2 x 4 braces to the posts with 3″ Zinc Plated Decking Screws. These struts provide support and rigidity to the frame, preventing wobble and wobble.

Once all the posts and beams are secure, install the platform. Screw 2x pressure treated lumber lengthwise along the joists and attach the planks with 3″ decking screws.

Finish things off with ladders and railings

Now that the structural work is complete, it’s time to really customize the build and make it your own. Get the kids involved at this stage – even the little ones can pick up interesting branches from the garden, paint details and add their own decorations. Now it is also time to check the structure for stability. If you notice a wobbly corner, attach a block of wood for extra support.

Be flexible with your plans

Remember – even the best plans are fallible. You are working with the natural world, and no matter how much you want a particular design or idea to work, branches will get in the way, the wood will “misbehave” and certain things will need to be changed or adjusted. Remember to approach tree house building with an open mind and be prepared to be flexible. The end result will be your very own – or, more specifically, your family’s – favorite place to play, daydream and hang out.

reference list

D’Agostino, R. (2017). How to build a tree house in the backyard. [online] Popular mechanics. Available at: https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a5490/how-to-build-a-treehouse/.

Instructions (2013). build tree house [online] instructions. Available at: https://www.instructables.com/id/Building-A-Treehouse/ [Accessed February 22, 2020].

Lina, D. (n.d.). 17 of the most amazing tree houses from around the world. [online] Bored panda. Available at: https://www.boredpanda.com/amazing-treehouses/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic [Accessed 22 Feb 2020].

Treetop Builder (2013). 9 misconceptions about building tree houses. [online] Treehouses by Tree Top Builders. Available at: https://www.treetopbuilders.net/9-misconceptions-about-treehouse-building/ [Accessed 22 February 2020].

Construction and delivery of tree houses (n.d.). Design + Build Steps. [online] Nelson treehouse. Available at: https://www.nelsontreehouse.com/design-build-steps [Accessed 22 February 2020].

Trimarchi, M. (2008). How tree houses work. [online] HowStuffWorks. Available at: https://home.howstuffworks.com/treehouse3.htm [Accessed February 22, 2020].

Wallop, H. (2009). All treehouses require full planning permission, new rules say. www.telegraph.co.uk. [online] July 6. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/5749382/All-tree-houses-need-full-planning-permission-new-rules-say.html [Accessed on February 22, 2020].

[1] https://www.nelsontreehouse.com/design-build-steps

[2] https://www.boredpanda.com/amazing-treehouses/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

[3] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/5749382/All-tree-houses-need-full-planning-permission-new-rules-say.html

[4] https://home.howstuffworks.com/treehouse3.htm

[5] https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a5490/how-to-build-a-treehouse/

[6] http://www.baumhausworkshop.com/

[7] http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-A-Treehouse/

It appears the country’s law doesn’t apply to fairies after 100 tiny fairy doors appeared at Wayford Woods in Crewkerne, Somerset.

Known locally as the ‘fairy forest’, the forest delights and enchants children as more and more fairies appear to have settled there.

However, what these fairies do can harm the forest and is a blatant disregard for human law. Hundreds of families have come to visit the fairy houses (tiny ornate doors fixed at the base of the trees) to leave messages and wishes for the fairies of Somerset. But these human visitors can damage the forest area, leaving behind these paper messages, litter, and footprints.

A group of volunteer forest trustees has been urging that no more doors be attached to the trees to avoid ‘over-decorating’ the forest. Steve Acremen, one of the Trustees, said:

“We’re not against fairies. But we have small doors everywhere. It runs the risk of getting out of control.”

It seems that not everyone is entirely happy about the fairies’ arrival, and what was once a small elf lair that could go unnoticed is quickly becoming a magical megacity with more than 100 fairy houses and a fairy playground complete with 2-foot slides and Rock.

And when people come to visit the mythical metropolis, they are just too big and trample on the bluebells – according to another trustee.

But what if a human wanted to live among the fairies? What if you wanted to buy forest for fairies to live on? Can you just do anything when it’s “your forest” or can the forest never really be yours?

Today in Unlock the Law we’re looking at the law regarding forests and why these fairies wouldn’t get away with all those buildings if they were humans.

So I bought some forest and I’m ready to start my magical, mystical life among the flowers. Are there any restrictions on the use of my forest?

Unfortunately yes. There may be restrictions on certain activities you wish to undertake in your newly acquired paradise.

Building certain types of structures on your woodland requires planning permission, other types are not normally allowed.

If you want to construct, expand or modify a forest building, store, office or shelter, or create an access route through your forest, you may do so without a permit. Also, you can have a shed in your forest if you can prove that it really serves forestry purposes. You are absolutely not allowed to sleep in your shed or use it to store “recreational” equipment.

Even if you have bought your forest, it may also be the case that certain areas of it are designated. This happens when it is of special scientific interest or subject to a tree protection regulation. If this is the case, you need the approval of the competent authority to carry out developments in this area. A specialist real estate lawyer can advise you on how to proceed and what permits you need.

I want to be a fairy and have all the nice kids who leave me messages and trample on my bluebells. Can I build a house in my forest?

Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that you will get permission to build your house in your forest. There have been a few instances where it was permitted, but you must be able to show that you have an obligation to live on your forest property to ensure the success of a ‘forest enterprise’ and that you make a reasonable living from your forest via one long period. So if you really want to be a fairy, you have to commit.

Ok, how about this, I just live in my regular house and the kids and fairies can come and go to my forest as they please. However, no haters. Can anyone use my woodland?

In Scotland there are statutory rights of public access to most recreational areas.

These rights mean that people can make recreational, educational, and very limited commercial uses of it, provided they do so responsibly. The law covers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding and skiing.

If you own forest, you have a legal obligation to manage your land in a manner that respects these access rights. It can even mean an obligation to make sure the country is safe.

For more information please read:

> Buying Property in England and Wales – The Essential Guide

> Buying Property in Scotland – The Complete Guide

Follow us on social

Twitter – @unlockthelaw

YouTube – UnlockTheLaw

You can contact your local authority to check whether or not a specimen is protected – but in some cases it may have a telltale disc nailed to it, indicating it’s on the council’s radar.

In addition to creating TPOs, your municipality also has the right to change or revoke them. This means that you can apply for a protection order to be lifted through the planning process.

See government guidelines for more information.

Why can’t I just shorten it?

Since damaging or destroying a protected tree is a punishable offence, the first thing to do on a plot should be to check whether it is subject to a Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO). An arrangement can apply to individual trees, groups of trees and entire forest areas.

When you cut down a protected tree, you expose yourself to the full force of the law. Penalties can be severe, with a maximum fine of £20,000.

If there is no TPO and you are not in a conservation area, you may fell a tree that is entirely on your property – but you must still exercise caution. However, if the specimen is on a common boundary, or if its size and location could pose a hazard for felling, you cannot simply proceed.

Leylandii, for example, is never put under protection, but it will likely be on a border – and if that’s the case, you’ll need to find an amicable solution with your neighbors.

While for some a leylandii hedge is little more than a light-blocking monstrosity, for others it could be a source of cherished privacy. Passion can run high on both sides, but don’t expect your local authority to intervene in disputes.

Tree measurement and evaluation

When you apply for a building permit, the forms will ask if there are any trees on or near the site that may be affected by the proposed work. If the answer is yes, the council expects your application to be accompanied by a tree survey. If this shows trees may be affected, you need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment.

This additional survey identifies the trees – including their size, age, species and quality – and then grades them against the criteria outlined in British Standard 5837:2005. The report also specifies the required root protection areas for the trees based on their size and age. It then assesses the likely impact of the works on the trees and makes recommendations as to which trees could be felled to facilitate construction and appropriate measures to protect the remaining trees.

Read more: Checklist for property valuation for do-it-yourself builders

Don’t be surprised if your building permit dictates that you must use engineered foundations (usually a stacked solution) to protect mature roots. This involves additional costs which are rarely reflected in the final valuation of a new property and should therefore be factored into the selling price of the property before purchasing.

Already planning?

If you have already received full planning permission for your home build project, this will override any existing TPO – allowing the appropriate trees to be cut down to make way for the new building.

However, be careful before you start the chainsaw. A building permit will invariably have a number of conditions attached to them, and those relating to trees may span multiple pages.

Just last week the popular press reported that a tree house in Lincolnshire had been threatened with planning enforcement. With the summer months simmering on, traditionalists are arguing for a return to soapbox go-karts and treehouses rather than the ready-made soup of vacation TV and smartphone games.

If this is the case, however, should our children (and grandparents) seek proper planning and legal advice before venturing back out into the “good old days”?

Even the Independents excerpt from the Dangerous Book for Boys*& contains a legal update reminding us that as of October 1st 2008 new Permitted Development Rules came into force stating that without planning permission no porches, balconies or Raised platforms may be built defined as anything over 30cm.

What are the legal building rights to build a tree house?

Treehouses are not expressly covered by Permitted Development (“PD”) rights.

The closest we could find is either PD for outbuildings – a storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 meters and a maximum overall height of 4 meters with a double pitched roof, or 3 meters in any other case.

Or caveats regarding temporary uses – which would raise the additional legal question – if the land use is entirely “airborne”, is it a temporary land use mounted in a tree?

Raised platforms such as decking are PD provided they are no higher than 0.3m, so again this would not cover a tree house. No porches, balconies or raised platforms (defined in GPDO as over 0.3m) are permitted without planning permission.

In general, most treehouses require planning permission. If the property is listed you may also need a listed building permit. Local planning authorities will likely consider whether your treehouse will compromise your neighbor’s privacy – for example, if the treehouse overlooks his yard or you can look through his house’s windows, which may come into play in that case. You may also need to include drawings and ordnance survey maps with the application to describe exactly where the treehouse will go.

One retailer tried to insist that its tree houses are all “temporary structures,” but that’s probably not a winning argument. And in fairness, it’s hard to imagine how safe a tree house could be as a children’s playground while passing all legal tests as being temporary. And while British summers are rarely that long, when you can only have the treehouse 28 days a calendar year, how quickly does it become a haven for children?

Why does the LPA seem to be considering enforcement in this case?

Unusually for a tree house, and while we weren’t invited for a site visit, the structure appears to be ground mounted (to what extent the ground floor is a platform is unclear). It’s the second floor with the staircase winding around the log that Grandpa probably put in hot water.

It seems that in reality tree houses can only be built at ground level. In other words, it’s a shed or den, not a tree house. Or you need to apply for a building permit first. Prospective tree developers should also first consider tree conservation ordinances and the implications of living in a conservation area – before their actions unknowingly damage a protected tree.

So it turns out that with all the easing under the Conservatives in recent years, our progressive building permits are still preventing good old-fashioned summer fun.

Should there be a real exception for the under 12s who aren’t allowed to overlook their neighbours’ gardens in the same way as the older nosy neighbours.

*& – Disclaimer – co-written by a member of the University Theater whom I met at a friend’s wedding a few weeks ago and who now runs a theater tea party in Vauxhall.

Media platform design team

Tree houses can be simple or beautifully ornate

. Whether you long for a quiet retreat for you and other adults, or want to create a special play area for your children, consider the following before you begin:

Talk to your neighbors

Unless you live in a remote location or own a large lot, talking to your neighbors before building a treehouse is a good first step. Since the tree house might influence their views, discussing your ideas with them will help keep lines of communication open and prevent later fights.

Building codes and other legal issues

Find out in good time what you can build on your property. Your local building authority will help you determine if tree houses are allowed in your area. Specifics that could affect your plans include the size of the proposed structure, its distance above ground, its proximity to your property line, and whether it will include electricity or other utilities. Keep in mind that your construction department may need building permits, engineering plans, and inspections during construction. Building without complying with these laws can result in fines, lawsuits, and later even demolition orders.

homeowners associations

As soon as you have received the green light from your building authority, register with your homeowners association. Be prepared to submit detailed drawings of your treehouse and prepare to work closely with HOA members to comply with the rules in your neighborhood.

Homeowners Insurance

Check with your household contents insurance before starting construction. Some insurers require specific safety precautions and guidelines before approving coverage for a neighboring treehouse. For example, the company may dictate that children cannot access treehouse ladders or stairs without adult supervision.

Look at the tree species

When choosing a tree, consider more than just size. If a tree is on a protected list, you may not be able to build on it. Trees may be listed as threatened or endangered at the national, state, or county level. Use the search tool on the USDA Plant website to check. Alternatively, you can speak to a local horticultural consultant. Other factors to consider are whether the tree has a tendency to shed heavy branches, as is the case with poplars, or is short-lived (eg, alders).

Consider possible damage to the tree

The added weight of a treehouse or the weight of vehicles used during construction can compress or damage a tree’s roots. Trees with damaged root systems are more prone to toppling over in hurricanes and other high winds.

Drilling holes in trees to attach fasteners, cutting notches in trunks, or removing branches to make room for a tree house can also cause damage. A certified arborist can help you determine the level of stress that most trees can withstand.

Despite these additional hurdles and concerns, tree houses are worth the effort and can convey an increased appreciation of nature. As treehouse expert Peter Nelson says, “If we can’t fly with the birds, at least we can nest with them.”

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How much does a custom tree house cost?

Tree houses range in price from 9,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Most treehouses for kids cost between $10,000 and $30,000. Treehouses for adults, bed and breakfast rentals, or treehouses for commercial use typically range in price from $40,000 up to as much as a ground floor home would cost. Why the large ranges? Here are the key considerations when determining the cost of a custom treehouse project:

1. Size & Circumference

Some treehouses are about 6′ x 8′ (or about the size of a small powder room). Others are over 400 square meters and approach the size of a small apartment. As the size increases, so does the potential payload on the structure. That requires more wood, more labor, and stronger tree attachment systems.

2. Number of platforms

The term “treehouse” can refer to a single platform or a multi-platform project. Most of the hardware, planning, and design that goes into one platform must be repeated for a second or third platform. However, if you end up with a multi-deck treehouse project, you’ll save money by building everything at once. Your savings come from areas such as travel expenses, design travel expenses, and set-up/follow-up costs.

3. Location

We don’t want to be prying by asking your city, state and country before giving you an estimate. We just need to know roughly what our travel expenses will be from our hometown of West Chester, PA. The primary location costs relate to the mileage of our vehicles and the payment of our employees for their travel time. A tree house in Texas or California will cost more than a project a commute from West Chester. While we only have a handful of experienced treehouse builders in the United States, we travel great distances each season.

4. Height above the degree

The taller the tree house, the more man-hours it takes to build it. Even a simple change from 8 feet tall to 12 feet tall makes a significant difference in build time. At 8′ we can access the platform from the ground or a short stepladder. At 12′ or taller we will need larger ladders, ropes and/or scaffolding. For projects 15′ – 20′ or more, height can become a major factor in the overall cost. But sometimes the view is worth it!

5. Accessories

Typically, tree house accessories don’t cost much. Swings, ropes and buckets, flags, etc. for children’s tree houses range from $10 to $150 each. Fire poles, cargo nets, and small zip lines cost between $300 and $1000 each. Larger zip lines and cable bridges range in price from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on factors. Therefore, only the more reputable accessories can make a significant cost difference in a tree house project.

6. Access to the site

Sometimes we can drive our pickups right up to the construction site near the tree. Sometimes we have to walk half a mile through the woods to get to the site. Some of our projects have involved crossing multiple creeks on washed out trails that are impassable for trucks. We had to canoe back and forth to install a 250 foot zip line across a Pennsylvania river. We once assembled a 200-foot zipline to lower materials down a steep, wooded slope where it wasn’t safe to carry something down by hand. Some of the more difficult projects required just as many man-hours to get tools and materials to the site as it was to actually build the tree house! Many of our customers let us use their ATVs to reduce the costs associated with difficult site access.

7. Technology & Design

Occasionally we build a simple platform or tree house without first making a site visit. This means there is a limited design phase that is free or low cost upfront. But usually we visit the site, which involves some travel expenses and maybe some design or drawing fees. This costs $100-3500 for all areas within the continental US. We can also pull through full plans prepared by an engineer which can cost anywhere from $1500 to $10000 for either a simplified review or a full set of code and approval ready plans.

8. Quality or rarity of materials

We can use reclaimed wood, locally harvested and milled, recycled produce, or anything that’s on the local yard’s shelf. For example, the cheapest decking is usually pressure-treated wood. Composite wood or ipe can cost 2-5 times as much. That can run into thousands of dollars of difference depending on the size of the project. Other products may also increase labor costs. Because of this, a treehouse that’s equal in every way could cost $20,000 or $45,000. The cheaper one is safe and functional, but the more expensive one will look like a magazine cover.

9. General difficulty of the project

Some examples of this random category might be working on uneven ground (where ladders are difficult to set up), where the trees have a lot of branches going through the walls or roofs or interfering with normal work space, or not having good places to work to set safety or rigging lines.

Check out our new tree house cost calculator and get an approximate price for your tree house project in just a few clicks.

” ” One of the largest tree houses in the world stands between 16 lime trees in Northumberland, England. Matt Roberts/Getty Images

If you don’t have the time or skills to build your own tree house, you should consider hiring a licensed and bonded contractor to do the job for you. Some are so passionate about building tree houses that they travel to wherever you live to work with you.

If you are a DIY enthusiast tackling the construction of your tree house, stay safe in the off-ground work zone by wearing a hard hat, goggles, and a seat belt. Tie your harness and ladder(s) to a strong branch to minimize the risk of falling. Also, consider renting scaffolding instead of leaning ladders against the tree trunk. Familiarize yourself with your tools, especially if they are new for your project. And always have a first aid kit nearby.

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Are tree houses safe? In a healthy tree with strong building materials, yes. Build tree houses close to the ground, no higher than 3 meters. Use high railings and sturdy, well-placed ladders to protect children (and adults) from dangerous falls. Consider acrylic plastic panels instead of glass windows. And avoid splinters by sanding down rough edges.

It is also important to protect the tree during the construction process and beyond. Treehouses do mild damage to trees, even with practices that minimize damage.

” ” A towering spiral staircase leads up to a round and luminous tree house. Don Cravens/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Remember that trees are living, growing things. Allow for future growth in your construction plan and don’t cut branches or parts of the trunk to make room for your tree house’s support system, or remove large amounts of bark or wood that could expose the tree to infection and disease.

Construction techniques also help protect trees from damage. A treehouse can be broken down into several parts: the platform, windows and doors, decks and railings, and access.

Building the platform is the first step in assembling your treehouse as it provides the support system. The platform should be built close to the trunk with room for future growth of the tree. It should be level and balanced in the middle.

Instead of nails, single, large bolts should be used for the main supports. Nails are weak, can easily come loose, and since many are needed, they are likely to damage the tree. As the tree continues to grow, it expands beyond the bolts, in a process called compartmentalization. Over time, this creates a firm connection between the tree and the tree house. Another option are Garnier Limbs (GLs), artificial steel limbs designed by professional treehouse designer Michael Garnier. GLs are bolted into the tree and can support up to 8,000 pounds (3,629 kilograms), greatly increasing the safety of the structure [source: Treehouse Workshop].

Once the platform is complete, it’s time to add the floor, walls, and roof, which can be pre-assembled on the ground to reduce overhead construction. To ensure your tree house will last for years and not get damaged as the tree grows or sways in the wind, make sure no part of your tree house touches the tree; it should all rest on the support system. Windows, doors, decks, and other amenities are optional, but railings are a necessity.

But how do you get up there when it’s done? Depending on how high you have built your tree house, you can get by with a rope or wooden ladder. For treehouses that are very tall, consider steps—spiral or straight—with railings for safety. You can also use a combination of catwalks and platforms, or even a pulley system. The possibilities are endless.

For more information on home building and tree houses, see the resources on the next page.

Advice and tips on building, attaching and furnishing your home in the treetops. Learn how to build a tree house from experienced builders.

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Maremagnum/Getty Images

Where should you build a tree house?

When thinking about tree house ideas, take stock of the trees in your yard. Choose a sound, long-lasting hardwood for maximum support, with supporting branches at least 20cm in diameter (larger if it’s a softwood). The best trees are maple, oak, fir, beech and hemlock. It doesn’t have to be too high, just high enough so that you don’t hit your head walking under it.

Does building a tree house seem like biting off more than you can chew?

Treehouse building has exploded here in America. Tree houses are usually at the top of most children’s wish lists, although few ever have one of their own. The popularity, however, puts the issue of security to the test. Professional treehouse companies like Tree Top Builders are very concerned that a single lawsuit could create additional regulations for treehouses and zip lines for backyard kids. Just this week, a boy died in the UK in a rope swing attached to his tree house. Over there, where the culture is less contentious, it became an inevitable accident. In America, however, this event would likely have resulted in lawsuits being filed against the rope manufacturer, the treehouse builder, and perhaps the community, and legislators might have banned treehouses or tightened safety regulations. So I’m writing this to hopefully avoid some common safety pitfalls that are often part of do-it-yourself tree houses. Without further ado, here are 5 safe treehouse building practices to keep in mind:

1. Keep the Height Appropriate – If a child climbs onto the safety rail or out the window, how high off the ground will they be? What height makes a spinal or head injury unlikely? Assuming a reasonably soft landing surface, anywhere from 6 to 12 feet is probably reasonable. If you’re more protective of your kids, keep the tree house on the lower end of the range.

2. Avoid Rope Ladders and Climbing Ropes – While these are basic tree house accessories in my experience, they are where the most falls on a project occur. If you must have a rope ladder, please anchor the ground, make the climb less than 10 feet (preferably 6-8), and place a thick pile of wood shavings or other soft mulch surface underneath. The video says 9 inches, and that would be fine right under a high fall area, but more than 4 inches of mulch can overheat tree roots, so only do it in a limited area and never directly against the trunk of the tree.

3. Build Railings by Code – In most places, no part of the railing should have holes equal to or larger than 4″. The top rail should be 36″, and if the treehouse is very tall, you can follow balcony housing codes at 42″.

4. Properly Attach the Treehouse to the Trees – While treehouses don’t usually fall unexpectedly, these accidents can cause serious injury or even death if occupied while falling. The tree support method is critical to overall structure safety and must be done in a way that is more than strong enough and in a way that allows the trees to remain healthy.

5. Have the structure checked for safety by a carpenter, arborist, or both! – If you need help, please get it! While this is sort of a plug for our security and treehouse consulting services, if you’re not in our area you can always find a good local arborist and carpenter and have them review either your plans, your completed treehouse, or both, which these professionals would consider unsafe.

Yes, there may be a lot more to consider when it comes to tree house safety, but this is a start. Nothing is more important when it comes to tree houses than keeping kids of all ages safe while they enjoy them!

– Dan Wright

It appears the country’s law doesn’t apply to fairies after 100 tiny fairy doors appeared at Wayford Woods in Crewkerne, Somerset.

Known locally as the ‘fairy forest’, the forest delights and enchants children as more and more fairies appear to have settled there.

However, what these fairies do can harm the forest and is a blatant disregard for human law. Hundreds of families have come to visit the fairy houses (tiny ornate doors fixed at the base of the trees) to leave messages and wishes for the fairies of Somerset. But these human visitors can damage the forest area, leaving behind these paper messages, litter, and footprints.

A group of volunteer forest trustees has been urging that no more doors be attached to the trees to avoid ‘over-decorating’ the forest. Steve Acremen, one of the Trustees, said:

“We’re not against fairies. But we have small doors everywhere. It runs the risk of getting out of control.”

It seems that not everyone is entirely happy about the fairies’ arrival, and what was once a small elf lair that could go unnoticed is quickly becoming a magical megacity with more than 100 fairy houses and a fairy playground complete with 2-foot slides and Rock.

And when people come to visit the mythical metropolis, they are just too big and trample on the bluebells – according to another trustee.

But what if a human wanted to live among the fairies? What if you wanted to buy forest for fairies to live on? Can you just do anything when it’s “your forest” or can the forest never really be yours?

Today in Unlock the Law we’re looking at the law regarding forests and why these fairies wouldn’t get away with all those buildings if they were humans.

So I bought some forest and I’m ready to start my magical, mystical life among the flowers. Are there any restrictions on the use of my forest?

Unfortunately yes. There may be restrictions on certain activities you wish to undertake in your newly acquired paradise.

Building certain types of structures on your woodland requires planning permission, other types are not normally allowed.

If you want to construct, expand or modify a forest building, store, office or shelter, or create an access route through your forest, you may do so without a permit. Also, you can have a shed in your forest if you can prove that it really serves forestry purposes. You are absolutely not allowed to sleep in your shed or use it to store “recreational” equipment.

Even if you have bought your forest, it may also be the case that certain areas of it are designated. This happens when it is of special scientific interest or subject to a tree protection regulation. If this is the case, you need the approval of the competent authority to carry out developments in this area. A specialist real estate lawyer can advise you on how to proceed and what permits you need.

I want to be a fairy and have all the nice kids who leave me messages and trample on my bluebells. Can I build a house in my forest?

Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that you will get permission to build your house in your forest. There have been a few instances where it was permitted, but you must be able to show that you have an obligation to live on your forest property to ensure the success of a ‘forest enterprise’ and that you make a reasonable living from your forest via one long period. So if you really want to be a fairy, you have to commit.

Ok, how about this, I just live in my regular house and the kids and fairies can come and go to my forest as they please. However, no haters. Can anyone use my woodland?

In Scotland there are statutory rights of public access to most recreational areas.

These rights mean that people can make recreational, educational, and very limited commercial uses of it, provided they do so responsibly. The law covers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding and skiing.

If you own forest, you have a legal obligation to manage your land in a manner that respects these access rights. It can even mean an obligation to make sure the country is safe.

For more information please read:

> Buying Property in England and Wales – The Essential Guide

> Buying Property in Scotland – The Complete Guide

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You can contact your local authority to check whether or not a specimen is protected – but in some cases it may have a telltale disc nailed to it, indicating it’s on the council’s radar.

In addition to creating TPOs, your municipality also has the right to change or revoke them. This means that you can apply for a protection order to be lifted through the planning process.

See government guidelines for more information.

Why can’t I just shorten it?

Since damaging or destroying a protected tree is a punishable offence, the first thing to do on a plot should be to check whether it is subject to a Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO). An arrangement can apply to individual trees, groups of trees and entire forest areas.

When you cut down a protected tree, you expose yourself to the full force of the law. Penalties can be severe, with a maximum fine of £20,000.

If there is no TPO and you are not in a conservation area, you may fell a tree that is entirely on your property – but you must still exercise caution. However, if the specimen is on a common boundary, or if its size and location could pose a hazard for felling, you cannot simply proceed.

Leylandii, for example, is never put under protection, but it will likely be on a border – and if that’s the case, you’ll need to find an amicable solution with your neighbors.

While for some a leylandii hedge is little more than a light-blocking monstrosity, for others it could be a source of cherished privacy. Passion can run high on both sides, but don’t expect your local authority to intervene in disputes.

Tree measurement and evaluation

When you apply for a building permit, the forms will ask if there are any trees on or near the site that may be affected by the proposed work. If the answer is yes, the council expects your application to be accompanied by a tree survey. If this shows trees may be affected, you need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment.

This additional survey identifies the trees – including their size, age, species and quality – and then grades them against the criteria outlined in British Standard 5837:2005. The report also specifies the required root protection areas for the trees based on their size and age. It then assesses the likely impact of the works on the trees and makes recommendations as to which trees could be felled to facilitate construction and appropriate measures to protect the remaining trees.

Read more: Checklist for property valuation for do-it-yourself builders

Don’t be surprised if your building permit dictates that you must use engineered foundations (usually a stacked solution) to protect mature roots. This involves additional costs which are rarely reflected in the final valuation of a new property and should therefore be factored into the selling price of the property before purchasing.

Already planning?

If you have already received full planning permission for your home build project, this will override any existing TPO – allowing the appropriate trees to be cut down to make way for the new building.

However, be careful before you start the chainsaw. A building permit will invariably have a number of conditions attached to them, and those relating to trees may span multiple pages.