Here’s an image and idea I came across at Peacemaker Treehouses. If you want to build a treehouse but feel daunted, how about this idea: a tree platform. It’s like a deck. You can’t use it in foul weather, but it can give you a lot of outdoor enjoyment with a lot less time, energy, work and fewer materials.
It’s also a great way to build on an installment plan without having to commit to the final project. It’s a win-win scenario. You can build the deck one year, and if you feel ambitious the next, add the walls and roof. If not, you’ve lost nothing and you still have a great place to find solace, send the kids, or sip some lemonade on a lazy day.