I plan to build a tree house by bolting two (2) 2×6 on the side of this 12-in diameter tree:
I don't know what tree it is and in the process of asking here:
https://gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/46951/what-tree-is-this-with-reddish-body
The tree seems stable but I don't know how it will behave during strong wind. We don't have extreme weather in Seattle but I could see the pine trees moving in strong winds.
So should I bold the platform of the tree house into this tree? Or it is better just to build 4 foot and support the play house and have this tree in the middle (make a hole for it)?
Thanks.
UPDATE 1
I "feel" a bit unsafe to rely on this tree. So I was thinking of doing this:
Basically the structure will have 4 legs. The tree is in the middle.
Best Answer
As requested, The reddish color makes me want to ask if it is madrone, does it shed it’s bark? ,Are the leaves mid size thick or leathery and almost feel waxy? If this is what it is I would not use it for support. Madrone is very hard and cracks and splits easily, it is a large one but I would verify the type before trying to use as it might work for now but the next storm in the PNW and the tree may break apart.