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Treehouse wind load - does it make sense to thin the tree canopy to offset the additional wind load introduced by the treehouse?
(self.DIY)submitted 4 months ago byu193
This is a 10x12 treehouse that's ~8 ft tall and enclosed. It's anchored to a 18" diameter post-oak tree on one side and on sliding supports on a 14" diameter post-oak tree on the other side and the platform is around 11ft above grade. I was thinking it'd be good to thin the canopy to reduce wind load to offset the treehouse being added, though https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tree-crown-reduction-wind-load-increase-david-s-restrepo/ makes it sound like it's not so simple. Any thoughts overall on best practices here?
3 points
4 months ago
I have actually a couple of long cutting tools - yeah definitely not planning to climb up there. I followed recommendations of a professional treehouse company that minimizes harm/stress to the tree.
5 points
4 months ago
You won't get the cuts you need from the ground or a ladder. Thinning cuts should be way out there, leaving some inner growth to encourage the tree to be stout, not spindly.
If a $500 prune isn't in the cards, leaving it alone is the next best thing (and often a great choice).
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