diff --git a/layouts/partials/sidebar-tree.html b/layouts/partials/sidebar-tree.html
index f99a518..97b5146 100644
--- a/layouts/partials/sidebar-tree.html
+++ b/layouts/partials/sidebar-tree.html
@@ -13,8 +13,10 @@
 {{ else }}
   {{ $root = .FirstSection }}
 {{ end }}
+{{ if $root }}
 {{ template "root-link" (dict "currentPage" . "root" $root "site" .Site) }}
 {{ template "section-tree-nav-sections" (dict "root" $root.CurrentSection.Pages "currentPage" . "site" .Site) }}
+{{ end }}
 {{ if $additionalNavRoot }}
 {{ template "section-tree-nav-sections" (dict "root" $additionalNavRoot.CurrentSection.Pages "currentPage" . "site" .Site) }}
 {{ end }}