Preparing Your Space for a Three Trees Greenhouse
A little preparation before installation goes a long way toward making sure your greenhouse is beautiful, functional, and structurally sound for years to come. Before your scheduled build, you'll need to choose the right location and have the site completely prepared for us.
Below, we've put together the most important things to consider—from sunlight and drainage to foundations and flooring.
Sunlight
Trees and shade
Trees and shade
Look at how the sun moves across your property throughout the day and throughout the year. For most growing purposes, a location receiving plenty of direct sunlight—particularly during the winter months—is ideal.
Trees and shade
Trees and shade
Trees and shade
Nearby deciduous trees can provide welcome afternoon shade in summer, but large trees can also drop branches, leaves, sap, and debris onto the greenhouse. Remember that a shady summer location may look completely different once the leaves fall.
Drainage
Trees and shade
Accessibility
Avoid low areas where rainwater naturally collects. Water should move away from, rather than toward, the greenhouse.
Accessibility
Local requirements
Accessibility
Think about how often you'll be carrying plants, soil, tools, and supplies back and forth. A beautiful greenhouse is even better when it's convenient to use!
Utilities
Local requirements
Local requirements
If you eventually want electricity or water inside the greenhouse, consider its proximity to your home or existing utility connections when choosing the location.
Local requirements
Local requirements
Local requirements
It is the homeowner's responsibility to check applicable HOA rules, setbacks, permits, easements, and local requirements before installation.
Level
Brick Knee-wall
Grading
Our greenhouses are traditionally framed structures. If the base isn't level and square, that discrepancy continues upward through the framing and can affect walls, doors, windows, roof lines, and finish work.
At an absolute minimum, the entire perimeter where the greenhouse base will sit must be square and level.
Grading
Brick Knee-wall
Grading
We do not grade, excavate, level, or prepare standard greenhouse sites. This work must be completed by the homeowner or a qualified landscaping, grading, concrete, or hardscape contractor before our scheduled installation.
Brick Knee-wall
Brick Knee-wall
Brick Knee-wall
The exception is a Three Trees brick knee-wall foundation purchased as part of your greenhouse project. In that case, we'll handle the foundation work included within the scope of that option.
Pea gravel
Crushed stone or compacted gravel
Crushed stone or compacted gravel
Pea gravel is a popular choice because it drains well, is relatively inexpensive, and creates a classic garden feel. It can also be refreshed or topped off over time.
Crushed stone or compacted gravel
Crushed stone or compacted gravel
Crushed stone or compacted gravel
Crushed stone or compacted gravel can provide excellent drainage and a firmer surface than loose pea gravel. Proper preparation underneath is important to prevent settling.
Brick or pavers
Brick or pavers create a beautiful, traditional greenhouse floor and can complement our wood-framed structures especially well. They can be installed throughout the greenhouse or used to create a central walkway surrounded by gravel.
Concrete
Concrete provides a clean, durable, low-maintenance surface and makes it easy to sweep, roll carts, and move heavy pots.
Before We Arrive
Before your scheduled installation, please make sure:
1. The greenhouse location has been chosen and clearly established.
2. The installation area is completely cleared and accessible.
3. The greenhouse perimeter is square, stable, and level.
4. Grading, excavation, concrete, gravel, paver, drainage, or other site preparation is complete.
5. You've considered how rainwater will drain around and away from the greenhouse.
6. Permits, HOA approvals, setbacks, easements, or other property requirements have been addressed.
Preparing Your Space for a Three Trees Chicken Coop
Preparing your site ahead of time helps installation go smoothly and ensures your new coop has a stable place to sit for years to come. Unlike our greenhouses, chicken coops are a little more forgiving—but the site still needs to be properly prepared before we arrive.
Before We Arrive
Before your scheduled installation, please make sure:
Your coop and run area is cleared, reasonably level, accessible, and ready for construction before our scheduled installation date.
Homeowners are also responsible for determining applicable HOA requirements, property setbacks, easements, permits, and local regulations.
Once the space is ready, we'll take it from there—and turn that empty patch of yard into a pretty great place to be a chicken.
Booking Into 2027
We’re grateful for your support and excited to keep creating beautiful garden spaces. Reach out early to reserve your project!