Top Trees for Treehouses: Recommendations from Arborists

Start with a Professional Evaluation

Before building a treehouse, consult a certified arborist to ensure your chosen tree is structurally sound. Arborists Alden Kelley and James Barry frequently help homeowners evaluate trees for their suitability.

It’s also wise to hire a civil engineer to draw up plans and check with your city to determine whether a building permit is required.

Recommended Trees for Treehouses

Below is a list of trees considered strong and stable enough for supporting treehouses:

  • Avocado
  • California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)
  • Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)
  • Cape Chestnut (Calodendrum capense)
  • Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides or C. speciosa)
  • Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
  • Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
  • Evergreen Pear (Pyrus kawakamii)
  • Holly Oak (Quercus ilex)
  • Lemon (large-sized varieties)
  • Lily-of-the-Valley Tree (Crinodendron patagua)
  • Modesto Ash (Fraxinus velutina ‘Modesto’)
  • Fruitless Mulberry (Morus alba, fruitless varieties)
  • Olive (Olea europaea)
  • Pecan (Carya illinoensis)
  • Sawleaf Zelkova (Zelkova serrata)
  • Southern California Black Walnut (Juglans californica)
  • Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)