Trees as Decorative or Architectural Elements: How to Integrate Tree Trunks in Homes

Friday, September 15th, 2017

What could be a more perfect architecture for a home than Mother Nature herself? Trees can provide just the right amount of an outdoorsy feel even as the seasons change outside.

Trees, apart from being beautiful also offer shelter and shade. Do you remember your childhood when you spent a good amount of your time playing inside a tree house? No? Then this is the perfect time to add something green to your habitat.

These days, trees can be kept close to your home or you can even choose to bring them indoors. These trees can be integrated into your home’s architecture or interior design.

You can choose to use mature trees or new plantings.

When Using Existing Trees

The primary way of having trees integrated into your home is to construct a room around it. Find a licensed building architect who can help you design your unique home. This licensed professional may also collaborate with a landscape contractor, landscape architect, or a certified arborist (tree surgeon).

This team will ascertain that the tree will not be injured during construction. After all, it is crucial that you protect any existing trees so that when you integrate them into your new home or building, that they can still give you a natural, rustic look.

Evaluate

It is crucial to evaluate what kind of trees you will be building around. There are trees that are resilient and, unfortunately, there are also those that are more sensitive and are easily affected by the stresses of their environment. Again, you will need an expert to evaluate whether the tree is suitable to be used as a column or a decorative piece in your home.

An arborist or any tree expert should be able to help you make this crucial assessment. This expert is also likely to remain involved during the construction. This is so the tree’s health is monitored on a regular basis.

The California sycamore is one kind of mature tree that can be easily enclosed in a new construction.

Where Are the Roots?

It is also important to know the root location so that you can protect the system from being damaged. More often than not, the root system is determined by the tree trunk diameter also the drip line from the trunk up to the first level where the branches grow.

For a more accurate measurement, you can also rely on air-spade technology which can blow the soil away to show the major roots. Root injury can result in the death of the whole tree so be careful.

Where’s the Water At?

And since you will be keeping a tree inside your home, it will still need the usual requirements for photosynthesis – sunlight and water. You can provide these by having glass that opens up to the sky. You can also have a timed irrigation system that would water the roots under your home.

Function or Art?

Most of the time, a homeowner integrates a tree into his home because it has special memories. If not, the next best reason is aesthetics. It could be that the tree will provide an artistic form or character into the house.

Trees also have cooling properties so they can even help during those summer months when your home needs extra cooling.

When Using New Trees

Indoor planting areas can also be constructed. This is a container system that has soil and windows where the sun’s rays can pass through. Remember, again, that your growing tree will need water, soil, air, and sunlight.

Consider also the growing habits of your chosen tree as well as its maintenance requirements.

Tags: decorative trees, indoor tree, indoor trees, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tree columns
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