Tree Houses and Homeowners’ Insurance

Tree Houses and Homeowners’ Insurance

Some have fond memories of tree houses when they were younger. Parents, and even grandparents, may be tempted to recreate those memories by constructing a tree house in their backyards for children or grandchildren. Before you put your tree house construction skills to the test, there are important safety and insurance factors to consider.

Tree Houses are Considered an “Attractive Nuisance”

Like a backyard trampoline or pool, a tree house is considered an attractive nuisance. This means it can be tempting for neighborhood children to play in, putting the homeowner at risk. Such “attractive nuisance” features may prevent you from getting homeowners insurance or cause an increase in premiums. You may want to consider discussing how a tree house may impact your homeowners insurance before starting such a project.

Along with being an attractive nuisance, tree houses may create a potential danger to neighboring properties should they be constructed poorly. Tree houses may also create a danger if they are built too close to power lines.

Making Sure Your Tree House is Safe

Should you decide to pursue your tree house construction project, there are steps you can take to make sure it is done properly and safely. It can be helpful to keep the tree house lower to the ground, only using a tree that is substantial. Make sure access is safe. Focus on a solid platform.

Check on the Need for Permits

Many communities have regulations regarding the construction of outside structures. This is also true if you live in a HOA managed community. Even if it is legal, there may restrictions on materials used or size of the structure. You may even need a permit.

Limit Access

Access to the structure should be limited to when adults are present. Access can be limited by locks or by removing the stairs or ladder to reach it.

Inspect it Frequently

Trees can obviously move in the wind and that could create weaknesses in the structure. Be sure to take a look at the structure to make sure boards haven’t loosened.

Tree houses can range from the simple to the elaborate. In either case, you want to make sure it is constructed legally, safely and without negatively impacting your homeowners’ insurance. Check with your insurance agent, your community and perhaps even seek experienced help when building a tree house on your property.

Don’t go out on a limb. For a homeowners’ insurance review and a price quote, we invite you to contact one of our independent insurance agents. They work with multiple insurance companies in search of coverage that provides you the most value.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

Beyond the Goblins: Protecting Your Home from Halloween Night Risks

A guide to protecting your home and managing liability risks on Halloween night.

October Adventures: 5 Must-Do Activities for the Fall Season

A guide to 5 fun and unique activities to do in October.

October Operations: Protecting Your Business for the Rest of the Year

A guide to fall business insurance review and risk management for entrepreneurs.

The October Promise: A Time to Secure Your Family’s Future

A thoughtful guide to understanding life insurance and securing your family’s future.

October Driving Prep: Get Your Car and Your Policy Ready for Fall

A guide to preparing your car and auto insurance for the fall season.

The October Home Check-Up: Securing Your Home for the Fall Season

A guide to fall home maintenance and home insurance review for the month of October.

The Wanderer’s Playbook: The Art of Traveling on a Budget

A practical guide to finding and saving money on travel adventures.

The Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: From Startup to Success, Insuring Every Step of the Journey

A phase-by-phase guide for entrepreneurs on the essential business insurance policies they need.

Beyond a Payout: How Life Insurance is a Living Financial Tool

A guide to how life insurance can be a living financial tool, with a focus on its cash value component.

The Driver’s Playbook: How to Maximize Your Auto Insurance Benefits

A playbook for drivers, revealing key policy benefits and strategies to get the most from your auto insurance.