Treehouse

[treebing]

What do you guys think of tree houses. Just did a job for a pro tree house builder who travels the country building tree houses. The guy rubbed me entirely the wrong way with his whole attitude about trees and their role. I felt like we were disrespecting the trees we were to build this crazy structure in. I have never seen a tree house where the tree seemed very happy. As a kid I would have loved a tree house. Actually the silver maple I spent my youth in nailing boards and swings and climbing the hell out of is now dead. Maybe it was this guys attitude but I was really turned off by the whole tree house fad taking place.

 

[monkeylove]

I think a lot depends on the attitude of the people who are having the tree house built. As far as the contractor goes, they are there to build something safe and cool so they get paid. Hopefully the home owner is going to have a love for trees and replant some for the one they are probably killing in the long run. I hate to say it on here but...Trees just like animals have a place in our lives, and I will leave it at that. The key is to care for the ones you have, use the ones you need, and restock the ones you take so future generations can appreciate their beauty.

 

[guymayor]

So what did you do to the tree?

 

[treebing]

Well it was a forested area, basically domesticated it. Lopped off a big limb on one tree for a swing. Cut down some under story inc ludicrous a beautiful serviceberry. Took some limbs that would interfere with the structure. Just couldn't help thinkin that the little patch of forest was cooler without a monstrous structure heaped on top of it. If the guy had pretended to be more concerned I might feel different about it.

 

[guymayor]

It's not always easy, but next time, try to get yourself into the loop in the planning stage, or at least establish some influence on decisions in the field.
Tree structures are beautiful when there is symbiosis. The local extension agent can be a valuable source of references--they get called on to look at some of these things.

The guy's concern was the house not the trees--those are YOUR concern! Contract cutter work can get frustrating, no matter who you're working for.

 

[treebing]

That was the thing too. This guy advertises that he is a certified arborist and cares about the trees. He was the one making the tree decisions and the house decisions.

He also for some reason insisted on walking around without a helmet the entire time. I am curious as to how it all turns out. They will have spent a fortune by the time it's done.

 

[Adkpk]

On my way home from work I see a sign on the highway that advertises, "Treehouse", I think. Is this a tv show now? That's bad for the trees if it is.

A tree house is something for youngen's to do while learning how to grow up. Professional builders making a business out of tree houses is not a good idea imo.

I just googled tree house and don't see anything about a show which is about building tree houses but I'll try to look more closely at what that sign is advertising.

If that builder is advertising as a certified arborist and isn't behaving like one you should report him. Putting a nail in a tree is not good arborist behavior, imo.

 

[Joelkosa]

I'm looking to revive this thread... Anyone have any thoughts on the installation of tree houses or swings from a tree perspective? We all know it is harmful (even when installed with the best techniques), but in reality is it really detrimental? Sort of a rhetorical question as every site and situation is unique.
I ask because I have recently been asked by an architecture firm to help with the process, making sure it is as less-invasive as possible.

 

[flushcut]

I know a guy who got sued for putting in a swing. Even after both sides agreed he was not at fault it still cost him several tens of thousands of dollars in court costs, lawyer fees, and lost time plus the stress and anxiety of being named in a lawsuit as the result of an injury.
Personally I'd steer clear of all that.

 

[Wrangler]

This same sort of thing is being discussed in at least two other threads right now. It’s gut twisting to compromise your ideals,it’s also a necessary part of the job to make it possible for people and trees to coexist. You’re not always going to get your way, you advocate for the tree and it’s best intrest, that’s your start point. That’s you’re job to push for the best outcome possible. If you’re input is softening the impact on the tree you’re doing you job the best you can. If you’re being used for your saw and climbing gear to do something something you can’t stomach,walk away. I destroyed hundreds of trees to build campgrounds, but now hundreds of children from the nearby cities spend weekends and summers in the forest....There will be some kids loving that tree the house is built in, and probably gaining a life long appreciation for trees. Sometimes it’s really a tough call

 

[Joelkosa]

This same sort of thing is being discussed in at least two other threads right now. It’s gut twisting to compromise your ideals,it’s also a necessary part of the job to make it possible for people and trees to coexist. You’re not always going to get your way, you advocate for the tree and it’s best intrest, that’s your start point. That’s you’re job to push for the best outcome possible. If you’re input is softening the impact on the tree you’re doing you job the best you can. If you’re being used for your saw and climbing gear to do something something you can’t stomach,walk away. I destroyed hundreds of trees to build campgrounds, but now hundreds of children from the nearby cities spend weekends and summers in the forest....There will be some kids loving that tree the house is built in, and probably gaining a life long appreciation for trees. Sometimes it’s really a tough call

What other threads? Very curious to read opinions.

 

[Wrangler]

There’s some debate about how much trees actually benefit from modern pruning standards. Really cool video and discussion in “Buzz Fix Video “ “Hacking Youngish Ash” by @TreeVB , also “Multistem Trees “ in general discussion

 

[Wrangler]

Also some time ago ( maybe a year) the was a thread about wether or not trees benefit from deadwood removal

 

[DSMc]

There’s some debate about how much trees actually benefit from modern pruning standards... also “Multistem Trees “ in general discussion

I certainly hope that people reading that thread do not jump to inappropriate conclusions.

Our ANSI pruning standards are a very good guide for the how and whys of pruning. Whether or not a tree needs to be pruned, and to what extent is more subjective.

There should not be a shred of doubt that a knowledgeable arborist has the potential to improve the health and longevity of trees being pruned.

 

[Wrangler]

I agree, I think it’s sad when I drive down main street of a town and see huge street trees that have been let go for 30 years then disgraced by someone hacking them up to gain clearances or “safety”. If only they had been managed, just a few hrs of pruning every 3 or 5 years would drastically improve aesthetics and safety of whole main street of town. Just an example i see often.

 

[tnttree]

Also some time ago ( maybe a year) the was a thread about wether or not trees benefit from deadwood removal

I have been so blessed to have met and repeat Alex Shigos stories over my career
He put it this way

deadwooding is like giving the tree a bath,
deadwood is like candy for decay and rot organisms
trees Know how to deal with this through CODIT
So deadwooding does not hurt a tree as long as you do not injure any live tissue in the process
Now depending fast growing, older, and weakened vigor trees
deadwooding is more beneficial
otherwise it certainly does not hurt but really is more cosmetic
ie healthy oaks etc

On the flip side - I heard him say
what gives you the right to tell a tree what live branch the tree does not need?
hopefully your knowledge as an arborist can make good live branch pruning decisions working with a trees objectives first of mind

Bless you Alex RIP - for simplifying Arboriculture to a me, a onetime Hack.