diff --git a/lib/network/modules/LayoutEngine.js b/lib/network/modules/LayoutEngine.js
index 87a35cec..368acd42 100644
--- a/lib/network/modules/LayoutEngine.js
+++ b/lib/network/modules/LayoutEngine.js
@@ -526,8 +526,13 @@ class LayoutEngine {
     this._setMinLevelToZero();
   }
 
+
+  /**
+   * Small util method to set the minimum levels of the nodes to zero.
+   * @private
+   */
   _setMinLevelToZero() {
-    let minLevel;
+    let minLevel = 1e9;
     // get the minimum level
     for (let nodeId in this.body.nodes) {
       if (this.body.nodes.hasOwnProperty(nodeId)) {
@@ -619,13 +624,12 @@ class LayoutEngine {
    * This is a recursively called function to enumerate the branches from the largest hubs and place the nodes
    * on a X position that ensures there will be no overlap.
    *
-   * @param edges
    * @param parentId
-   * @param distribution
    * @param parentLevel
    * @private
    */
   _placeBranchNodes(parentId, parentLevel) {
+    // if this is not a parent, cancel the placing. This can happen with multiple parents to one child.
     if (this.hierarchicalParents[parentId] === undefined) {
       return;
     }