The Best Ways to Make a Tree Fort Roof

Miniature House Tree Fort

• A tree fort designed to look like a miniature house should have a standard roof. Use 2-by-4s to create wood trusses to support the roof. Nail sheets of painted plywood onto the trusses for a simple roof. For a more complicated roof, attach particle board to the trusses and nail on shingles as you would for an actual house. If you prefer a more rustic look, horizontally nail wide wood boards to the trusses.

Makeshift Tree Forts

• If your tree fort has a rough, makeshift design, a simple plastic tarp will work as a roof. Nail the tarp directly to the top of the tree fort, making sure to pull it tight so it will not buckle under the weight of water or snow. To provide more room in the tree fort, attach grommets to the tarp and attach the tarp a foot or two above the fort by hooking bungee cords into the grommets and wrapping them around upper tree branches.

Unique Materials

• Instead of a traditional wood or tarp roof for your tree fort, be creative with your materials. Install a patio umbrella in the middle of a small tree fort and allow it to serve as a makeshift roof. For a more natural roof, wrap large sticks with twine to create panels to tie onto the roof. Purchase large artificial leaves, such as palm fronds, and sew them together for another natural roof look.

Protecting a Tree Fort Roof

• With certain types of tree fort roofs, you may want to provide additional protection against water or other elements of nature. Make sure all roof materials, even unique materials such as umbrellas and palm fronds, hang slightly over the edge of the tree fort to provide full coverage. Regularly remove sticks, snow or other debris from the roof. If a roof develops any leaks or holes, patch or replace that section of the roof quickly to avoid additional damage to the roof or tree fort.