nightjar wrote in message
. ..

"Laurence Wilmer" wrote in message
...
I planted a eucalyptus at the end of my garden some 15 years ago, and
(after
chopping the top 6ft each year) it is now ideal for a good tree platform
for
my 5 yr old.

I have some 4x2 beams and have identified some good mounting positions,
to
these I plan to screw some old floorboards.

But what is the best way to fix beams and planks to a tree? I don't
fancy
nailing into it as that seems unkind, but I am not sure that typing with
rope is going to be sufficiently secure for when all his friends get up
there!

Why not simply fit the platform to posts running up from and set into the
ground? You are going to need some sort of access, so three or four strong
posts, set far enough apart to support the whole platform, with stout
metal
rungs fitted into holes drilled through the posts, should look as if you
planned them as ladders, rather than as supports. I would also put a very
thick layer of forest bark on the ground around the platform and ladders.

Colin Bignell

Thanks, thats pretty much what I've done - one supporting 3x3 post with 4x3
spreaders.

Has so far taken the weight of 3 children, 1 15yr old and 1 adult all at the
same time so far, no distress to tree at all.
Bark a good idea but I don't like it as it causes splinters to bare feet
(that children often have in the garden), but its good soft soil all around.
I had forgotten how difficult rope ladders are to climb!!
Laurence