Why Build a Treehouse?

As a child growing up on the East Coast, outdoor adventures often meant exploring a nearby forest. But in today’s urban and suburban settings, outdoor play is limited to small lawns and concrete.
When my husband and I started our family, we longed for more open space—and then we built a treehouse.

A treehouse offers kids a private perch to view the world, and to our surprise, it became a calming and magical retreat for adults too.
“Treehouses aren’t just for kids,” says Jeff Powers, co-owner of Earthscaping in Laguna Beach.
“They can serve as private getaways for reading, art studios, or even computer rooms.”

Ideal Trees for Treehouses in Orange County

According to Powers, some of the best backyard trees in Orange County for building treehouses include:

• Oak
• Avocado
• Chinese Elm
• California Sycamore
• Cape Chestnut
• Pecan
• Southern California Black Walnut

Not all trees are suitable, warns Tom Larson of Integrated Urban Forestry. The wrong tree or improper installation can cause damage or death to the tree.
Fullerton consulting arborist Alden Kelley adds that ideal trees have strong, durable wood and open canopy structures that minimize branch removal.

When Additional Support is Needed

Some trees may require structural support, such as beams camouflaged with vines. These include:

• California Pepper Tree
• Eucalyptus
• Italian Stone Pine
• Aleppo Pine
• Ficus nitida
• Ficus rubiginosa

Design Considerations

Tree structure influences the treehouse’s size, height, and shape. According to arborist James Barry:

• Tree branches do not rise as the tree grows—your treehouse stays at the same height.
• Access should match your family’s needs—from kid-friendly ladders to adventurous rope-only entrances.

Tree Characteristics Ideal for Treehouses

• Strong, tough wood that doesn’t secrete gum or resin
• Low-branching or multiple trunk divisions
• Moderately mature (15+ years)
• Rooted in at least 24–28 inches of soil
• Few surface roots
• Open branch structure—remove no more than 3–4 small branches
• No thorns or sharp leaves
• Evergreen species preferred for year-round coverage
• Consider neighbor privacy and avoid overlooking windows
• Located away from power lines and structures to reduce fall risk

Tips for a Healthy Treehouse Tree

• Use frame-supported ladders—don’t nail rungs into trunks.
• Avoid tying anything tightly around branches or trunks.
• Apply a 4–6 inch layer of mulch over the surrounding soil to prevent compaction and cushion falls.
• Consider fall-safety cushions like Safety Deck II or Fibar System.
• Water and fertilize regularly using organic fertilizers at the root zone.
• Hire licensed, insured arborists for conservative pruning to ISA or National Arboriculture Assn. standards.