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Hey, Dad! Let's build that tree fort now!
Great idea!
by Roger Faris
When my neighbor noticed that there was a dark green building suspended in the branches of our big pine tree, she was naturally curious. It looked a bit like an oversize outhouse, but had to be something else. People feel reassured when they can identify an object. "It's a tree fort", I yelled from my perch high above the earth. I thought about hurling a few pine cones to prove my point, but I knew there were advantages to letting the younger generation of defenders demonstrate the purposes and capabilities of the new structure.
The first level of the fort was created years ago when Grandpa Howard and I installed a platform between the pine and apple trees. We used pressure treated framing lumber and surplus fence boards to build a free-form curving deck. It was fun to leave the tape measure in the basement and use only a hammer and saw. A fire pole, an old steering wheel, and some spliced rope rings made this shady part of the yard a neighborhood attraction. The rings were particularly interesting to our kids. Young arms have grown long and their hands are calloused.
Almost from the beginning I got requests for an upper level addition. Safety concerns and a long list of other projects dictated that the work would be put off until "someday". I knew that the demand for a more elaborate fort would not fade away, so I started collecting useful materials. These included treated lumber and cedar boards, plywood, shakes, ladders, an old skylight, durable rope, and lots of chain.
This has been the year for putting together the elements of this adventure. Emilie and Stuart are older, and are careful climbers. The materials had accumulated beyond the storage capacity of our garage. Finally, I found a few hours to dedicate to this important work.
The inspiration to get started really came from another neighbor who was unhappy with her view of the outhouse-like tool shed that sat in the yard. I reasoned that it could be hoisted into the tree and be hidden among the evergreen branches, to form the first stage of a grand expansion of our fort. The lifting went well, thanks to an old Beebe Brothers winch. There were, of course, some complications. A few branches got in the way, and the load had a tendency to shift. I needed another cable hoist to straighten things out, and I lost count of the number of trips up the tree. My conclusion is that moving a heavy shed up into a tree is not something I'd recommend for everyone.
I can offer some general principles for tree fort building: It's a good idea to keep everything lightweight and simple. A tree fort doesn't require the space and amenities that you might demand in, for example, a tree house. A couple of boards lashed to the branches is about all that is really needed to establish a defensible position. Another rule is to suspend and secure the fort using strong, yet flexible connections. This can help prevent disintegration of the structure during windstorms. Weather resistant rope and chain will hold things in place for a long time. Bolted connections between some parts may be needed. Nails have a bad habit of working loose.
Another important point is to be kind to your tree. This means protecting the bark where rope, chain, or wood make contact with the trunk or branches. I used small pieces of cedar to act as a cushion against damage to the tree.
Before a new tree fort can be dedicated, additional safety precautions must be completed. Nervous parents may wish to add about a foot thick layer of wood chips to the area under the tree. Rechecking all of the rigging is essential. A second opinion of tree-worthiness should be sought. This is when you need friends in high places. It's best if they have experience in heavy construction, sailing ships, or the circus. Finally, all climbers must understand and follow basic regulations. One of these is the mountain climbers rule of three point suspension. This means moving only one hand or one foot at a time, and thus reducing the chance of losing your grip.
Kids, remember what Sheriff Tex used to say: "Safety first! ...and hey! Watch where you're tossing those pine cones!"
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