TREEHOUSE TREE LAYOUT

When working with more than one trunk or branch get a line level and stretch a line at the elevation you want the treehouse at. Check out the side of the tree that beam will be attached to see if the tree is healthy at that elevation. This is something you will need to do so your platform has a good chance of coming out level. If the branches that you are going to attach too, lean out like on this tree, it is best to attach to the side or inside of the branch and not the outside. Sometimes it may be helpful to layout your beams and joists on the ground first to see exactly what elevations you put your brackets at.  Seldom do a group of trees or branches grow in rectangular shape. These four trees are not perfectly plum. To get true measurements you must measure at the elevation you are going to put the platform at.

Start by assigning a letter to each tree and getting the circumference at elevation of desired platform.

Measurements should be made from the same inside point on each tree as shown in figure #4.

Start laying measurements on paper by stating with 2 points. (Figure #1) AB-13ft.

Then get a compass and start marking your other measurements so you can triangulate your exact

location of the other trees to your first two. (Figure #2) AC-8ft, AD-11FT, BC-12ft, BD-7FT.

If your measurements are correct your CD measurement on paper 6FT, should match what you measured in the field (figure #3).

Draw in your trees using the diameters you got from the circumference of the trees. Diameter = Circumference /divided by Pi 3.14

** The terms Garnier Limb, GLimb, GL, GL’s & Bracketree, as well as the picture examples shown on this site are all © by Michael Garnier 1992 to present. **

Check out our Garnier Limb Parts & Plans Page if you are ready to get started on your own, or use links under the ‘CONSTRUCTION’ tab above to explore more resources.