Q: We want to build a treehouse in a pine tree in our yard. I’ve read that putting nails into trees is not a great idea. Do you have any ideas on how to construct a tree house and not harm the tree?

A: I once had a very similar situation. I built a ten-foot high, twelve-foot square platform around the trunk of my pine tree and supported it on pressure-treated posts. This allowed me to put a safety rail around the platform and to add a playground slide, a rope ladder and wooden steps to access the top.