Treehouse Neighbours Meet the Joneses

Treehouse Neighbours Meet the Joneses

A friend sent me this photo of two treehouses (unfortunately I don't know who to credit so if you do please let me know).

I like the tree-house-neighbourhood look and that there are some interesting features about these structures.

First, Notice that the trees don't project through the roof of the houses. This tells me that they topped the trees and built the floor from there. Its as if the house is set on top of the two round trunk stumps.

This is a good way of avoiding problematic issues of sealing the branches where they protrude through the walls. Also, this method can provide an easier way to secure the floor because the beams can be nailed, screwed or bolted to the trunk tops without regard for damaging the tree.

However, this is part of the downside: completely topping the tree at a height like this is damaging and opens up other issues such as moisture, rot and pests.

Also, extreme pruning will cause the tree to sprout new shoots lower down the trunk. You can see them bushing out underneath the treehouse and around the spiral stair case. The tree needs photosynthesis to survive, and it will do whatever it can to gather that light! The builder can maintain control over these new shoots with further pruning or even weaving them to create aesthetic effects.

Lastly, I just like the evolved look of these homes -- the slanted walls, patchwork siding and shingles -- and, I wonder if they compete to keep up with the Joneses?

---