Screw pile foundations: how we build without digging

The Treehouse Guide Structure and Safety

The first time we used screw piles, it changed the way we build. They look like enormous screws and are mechanically rotated deep into the ground, creating a strong foundation without the need for traditional excavation.

Why they suit treehouses

Because there is no digging, screw piles are a root friendly solution. They keep disturbance to the surrounding ground and the trees to a minimum, which matters when the whole point of the project is the tree. They also need no concrete, which makes them a more environmentally considerate alternative to traditional foundations.

Each pile can carry a substantial load, and one of their biggest advantages is that they are ready to use the moment they are in. As soon as the piles are installed we can begin fixing the supporting stilts to them. There is no waiting for anything to cure.

Where they come into their own

  • Quick to install, with very little mess
  • Particularly good on sloping ground
  • No excavation and no concrete, so roots are left alone
  • Can be removed relatively easily in the future if ever required

For us they have become an invaluable part of building treehouses with minimal impact on their surroundings.

Questions people ask

Not with screw piles. They are wound into the ground mechanically and carry the load without concrete, which is kinder to the roots and to the garden.

Yes. Screw piles work particularly well on sloping ground, because each one can be set to the height the site needs.