08. Vine Teepee Installation

Vine teepees create amazing opportunities for learning and outdoor play. Vine teepees can be constructed of 1/2-inch rebar, 1/2-inch steel bar, or sturdy giant bamboo as described here.

1. Determine location
   For vines to grow vigorously on the teepee, choose a well-lit site with well-draining soil. To create a space that 2-4 children can inhabit, the teepee should be approximately 8 feet across and 8 feet tall inside.
2. Using pruning shears, remove leaf shoots flush to the poles.
   To prevent water from entering and causing deterioration, a node should be left at the top of the narrow end of each pole to seal the end (Figure A).
3. Harvest bamboo poles
   Locate a stand of large bamboo. Cut the bamboo to length. For a teepee 8 feet in diameter, 10 ft. lengths of bamboo are ideal. A hacksaw works best for cutting bamboo. Using pruning shears, remove leaf shoots flush to the poles. To prevent water from entering and causing deterioration, a node should be left at the top of the narrow end of each pole to seal the end (Figure A).
4. Mark center and radius of teepee (eight-sided)
   Use a survey stake or flag to mark the center point of the teepee. Use a measuring tape and surveyors spray paint (or flags) to mark the radius of the teepee.
5. Mark locations of poles
   Mark locations of poles in the sequence shown in Figure B, following steps 5-9. Locate the teepee entrance Determine where children will enter the teepee and position the layout of the poles on that location (Figure. C). The entrance should be 24-30 inches wide (Figure B).
6. Locate the teepee entrance
   Determine where children will enter the teepee and position the layout of the poles on that location (Figure C). The entrance should be 24-30 inches wide (Figure B).
7. Mark the location of first pole
   After locating the entrance, position the first pole on one side of the entrance.
8. Mark location of second pole
   Position second pole opposite the first pole. Using an 8 ft length of jute twine, trace a straight line from the first pole through the center of the circle to locate the second pole (Figure D). Mark intersection of the circle on the opposite side.
9. Mark third and fourth pole locations
   Run twine through the center at a 90 degree angle to the line of poles 1 and 2. Intersections with the circle define locations of poles 3 and 4.
10. Mark remaining pole locations
    Bisect the circle between the first four poles and run twine through the center to locate poles 5 to 8 (Figure E).
11. Dig holes for poles
    Dig holes approximately one foot deep and six inches in diameter for each pole (Figure F).
12. Create quadpod
    Select the four largest bamboo poles and lay them on the ground so that their wide ends (bottoms) are aligned. Approximately 1 foot from the top narrow end, bind the poles together using a plastic zip-tie (Figure G).
13. Bring quadpod upright and place in holes
    It is important to keep the poles together as you bring them upright and then place them in the holes (poles 1 to 4, Figure B). Align pole bottoms to be flush with the earth. Adjust quadpod until junction of poles is above center of circle (Figure I).
14. Partially fill holes of quadpod poles
    Partially fill the holes to hold the quadpod poles in place, but also allow for adjustments to be made. The soil will support poles while finishing construction.
15. Add additional poles and partially fill holes
    Place additional poles 5 to 8 (Figure B) in their holes and lean them against the quadpod. Partially fill their holes with soil.
16. Secure poles to quadpod
    Using plastic zip ties, secure the additional poles to the quadpod. A step ladder will be needed to reach the junction of the poles.
17. Bind all poles together
    Using thick jute twine, bind all 8 poles together at the top junction (weaving in all directions). Securely tie.
18. Completely fill holes
    Finish filling the holes and carefully compact the soil with a hand compactor or pickaxe handle (Figure J).
19. Add twine for vine support
    Support is needed for vines to climb and grow around the teepee (Figure J). Securely tie the end of a ball of jute twine at the bottom of a pole at the first node. Pull the twine tight and then secure it to the adjacent pole at another node. Repeat pulling the twine tight and return to the original pole at the node above the starting point. Continue a zigzag pattern 3/4 up the teepee (Figure J). Repeat “weaving” between each two adjacent poles, except at the entrance.
20. Plant vines and finish the teepee
    Plant vines at midpoints between poles and add mulch around plants and teepee floor (Figure K). Vines should be trained on the woven twine and poles as they grow using “twist ties” to anchor them. Add sitting rocks, logs, and other decorations to the teepee interior. These final steps are open-ended, guided by the builders’ imaginations.