Overloading the GTS Tree Screw – what should I do?

What are the possible causes of overloading the GTS screw?

1. Too much vertical load on the screw (treehouse too big / too heavy).
2. Short-term extreme loads (accumulation of people, wet snow, storm)
3. Lever arm too large (support / beam rests very far out on Tree Screws)
4. Beam has slipped outwards in windy conditions
5. Tree trunk / wood too soft, see article: Which tree is suitable – Every tree is an individual

 

What exactly happens when the GTS screw is overloaded?

Our GTS Tree Screws are indestructible – the only thing that gives way is the wood!

1. The GTS screw remains in its original position up to the load limit of the wood (compressive strength along the wood fiber).
2. If the compressive strength exceeds, wood fibers are compressed and the screw begins to sag. The pivot point is at the inner third of the coarse thread of the screw. Load and deformation are proportional, i.e., if the load increases further, the screw sags further. Conversely: If the load does not increase further, there is no danger of the screw sinking further.
3. The good thing is that even if the screw hangs at 45° in the tree, the coarse thread wedges in such a way that the screw cannot tear out.

 

Solutions to relieve the load on the screw:

1. Reduce the lever arm: fix the support close to the tree and prevent it from slipping outwards with Distance Rings.
2. Reinforce Tree Screws, with Cable Suspension
3. Distribute weight of treehouse – distribute loads with additional braces
4. Suspend platform additionally with rope and tree loop at branch fork
5. Attach support with concrete foundation
6. Attach additional GTS Tree Screws