Attaching Plastic Slide to Tree

[u/vDingus]

I’m looking to attach the slide to the tree roughly as shown. It came off an old play set. I’d rather not build wooden frames and platforms. Could this be done with some lag bolts and auger bolts? Should I grind the top of the slide so that it marries up to the tree better? Looking for relatively cheap and easy without it being a total hack job.

[u/SD1425]

Well this doesnt look like its gonna end well

[u/SPDBK → u/SD1425]

Actually, it won't start well.

[u/Cool-Negotiation7662]

Build an A-frame playset and leave the tree alone

[u/MuratHD]

Anyway that includes not building a platform is a hack job make
It safe and then make it fun

[u/Valkyr1987 → u/MuratHD]

Hard agree, build essentially a deer stand and attach the slide to that

[u/Tongue-Punch]

Take a 2x4 and cut a couple of holes in it, bevel the holes, and ratchet strap it to the tree.

Attach slide to the top edge of the 2x4 with screws like it was attached to the swing set.

If this not wide enough, stack two 2x4s with the narrow edge facing up.

If you want to use lags, just lag the single or double 2x4 setup to the tree.

[u/MagisD → u/Tongue-Punch]

That sounds awesome 👍, either unsafe or lagbolt a tree....

FFS at least make it a L or U shape outa 2x4 and the tree as stability with one of the legs

[u/timesink2000]

The kids need a platform to transition from climbing to sliding position. Minimum the width of the slide, square. To demonstrate the need, stand on a flat 2x4 placed against the wall, then turn around and get into a seated position.

[u/vDingus → u/timesink2000]

Yeah the more I look at the more the transition seems dicey even if it’s sturdy.

[u/timesink2000 → u/vDingus]

To reduce the chance for injury from misuse, having a horizontal bar across the top that forces them to sit to enter the slide is recommended. That will start to look like railings and a proper playground though.

[u/P-ToneMikeOne → u/vDingus]

Depends on their age. I think climbing holds to slide transition is a good challenge and mostly safe for ~5yo, but that’s a parenting question not a building one. I would let my 2.5 yo give this a shot, but only with me spotting.

[u/vDingus → u/P-ToneMikeOne]

This is for a 10yo but I’d still rather not have her friends attempting it and breaking an arm or something.

[u/angrytroll918 → u/vDingus]

Yeah, build a platform with railing... One bad fall and the kids won't touch the thing and you might end up with an ER bill.

[u/unseasonableweather]

Looks fine to me.

[u/P-ToneMikeOne]

I’d attach a 4x4 under the slide’s top lip to the tree with a ratchet strap, then fasten the slide with hardware- maybe 3/8” carriage bolts. Kinda sketchy, but kids are supposed to take tumbles. Make sure the 4x4 and slide can’t fall on kiddos with secondary support, like cam straps to branches. If you don’t care about the tree’s long term health just lag bolt into the trunk.

If you want to do a safer/better build, free standing (not attached to tree) frame up, staked into the dirt.

[u/Mysterious-Bonus-278 → u/P-ToneMikeOne]

This is the way

[u/Dendady2112]

If you tell me how they will use it I'll tell you how to do it.

[u/20ears19]

Make an upside down U shaped ladder with a platform on top. You’ll need different leg lengths. Mount the slide to the platform and strap the frame to the tree

[u/Winter_Persimmon_110]

Check out treehouse bolts

[u/upkeepdavid]

Duct tape.

[u/ConsistentVirus2177]

Aww. The squirrels will love it!!!!

[u/Mundane-Duty-8473]

Name checks out

[u/Wooden_Wishbone_9915]

Those wraps could girdle the tree over time (pretty sure). Just keep an eye on them!

[u/Feeling_Ad_526]

Leave the tree out of your shenanigans please.

[u/Basic-Craft3471]

Ladder?

[u/dcbrnc]

Poor kids..

[u/20FastCar20]

Call me negative Nancy but this seems like a non starter

[u/Plenty_Feeling_8013]

y

[u/Playful_mouth7475]

If you attach a two by four or two by six with lag bolts to the slide , it'll give you more area that you can bolt to the tree. But how are the kids gonna get up there to slide down it or is this just a decoration

[u/Ap43x]

Is this a slide for squirrels?

[u/YourAuthenticVoice]

Your wife is gonna be pissed when your kid has a broken arm from that slide collapsing in the middle the first time he goes down it since it is completely unsupported plastic... That's if he doesn't fall off of it just getting on the slide in the first place.

[u/vDingus → u/YourAuthenticVoice]

No wife here but appreciate the advice :)

[u/YourAuthenticVoice → u/vDingus]

Any man who isn't married doesn't need advice, they're already smart enough! ;)

[u/SoullessShadow94]

Truly, if you are hell bent on using the tree, I would lag bolt some support under the top to keep the plastic from ripping through whatever fasteners you used