diff --git a/frappy_psi/sea.py b/frappy_psi/sea.py
index 2ef8ee5..d5292cb 100644
--- a/frappy_psi/sea.py
+++ b/frappy_psi/sea.py
@@ -711,7 +711,14 @@ class SeaModule(Module):
     @classmethod
     def paramFilter(cls, result, paramdesc):
         sub = paramdesc['path'].split('/', 1)
-        sublist = result.get(sub[0])
+        if len(sub) == 1:  # direct kid
+            if 'kids' in paramdesc:
+                # do not take main node of a tree
+                return False
+            # parameter at top level
+            sublist = result.get('.')
+        else:
+           sublist = result.get(sub[0])
         if sublist is None:
             return False
         sublist.append(paramdesc)