Located just outside of Philadelphia, The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania created an exhibit that gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the forest. Weaving like a spider web throughout the verdant canopy of the Morris Arboretum, the hot-dip galvanized steel walkways of the Out on a Limb Tree Adventure provide a pathway to the treetops for nature enthusiasts. This impressive structure, nestled amidst the Wissahickon Valley, is more than just a path through the trees – it is a combination of art, engineering, and nature brought together through strategic planning and design excellence.

Consisting of a 450-foot-long canopy walk which is five stories above ground level and built around a 250-year-old chestnut oak tree, visitors can walk into a human sized birds’ nest constructed of galvanized steel and interwoven with branches. The galvanized steel frame not only provides the nest’s structure but also overlooks 92 acres of steeply sloped woods and gardens while blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings.

Beginning in January of 2009, the designers, fabricators and galvanizer worked closely together to meet an aggressive 6-month deadline. It was a wonderful example of the effective communication required to maximize turnaround time and ensure that each phase meticulously maintained the highest standards in both structural integrity and aesthetics.

The steel's longevity was a concern addressed with the superior corrosion protection that only hot-dip galvanizing could provide. The designers chose galvanizing as the coating protection to assure the structure would last for decades down the road. This was an incredibly sustainable option, as zinc is a naturally abundant resource that is fully recyclable, minimizing the environmental impact of the structure over time.

For the past 15 years, the structure has demonstrated exceptional performance, proving the strength of hot-dip galvanizing and the reliability of this coating protection system compared to other options. The proof is in its little to no maintenance over the years, showcasing the project’s ability to withstand elements without significant wear or degradation. Based on the time-to-first-maintenance chart and the zinc coating life predictor, the structure is expected to be standing strong for nearly 100 more years down the road. Mil readings were taken in 2024 and averaged 4.35 on the tube and plate sections, further proving the robust strength of the steel present-day.

The Morris Arboretum Canopy Walk stands as a testament to the strength and sustainability of hot-dip galvanizing. The collaboration between all teams involved in the project resulted in a visually stunning exhibit that the surrounding community has already enjoyed for 15 years and will continue to provide a nature escape for generations down the road. With its corrosion-resistant properties and minimal environmental impact, this corrosion protection system was the perfect choice for a project that aimed to balance nature and construction.

It has exceeded expectations.  There have been zero issues with rust or blemishing.

Coating Thickness