diff --git a/packages/core/src/uncontrolledEnvironment/UncontrolledTreeEnvironment.tsx b/packages/core/src/uncontrolledEnvironment/UncontrolledTreeEnvironment.tsx
index 59643ec3..c6c14d13 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/uncontrolledEnvironment/UncontrolledTreeEnvironment.tsx
+++ b/packages/core/src/uncontrolledEnvironment/UncontrolledTreeEnvironment.tsx
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ export const UncontrolledTreeEnvironment = React.forwardRef<
         // move old items out
         for (const item of items) {
           const parent = Object.values(currentItems).find(potentialParent =>
-            potentialParent.children?.includes(item.index)
+            potentialParent?.children?.includes?.(item.index)
           );
 
           if (!parent) {