Tree step on a magnolia grandiflora L. ?

[Jaume]

Hello,

 

We have a quite big magnolia grandiflora L. on our garden, on which my 3 year old child likes to climb.

But someone cut two small branches he used, and now he can't climb the tree anymore.

So I thought about providing him an artificial step at the same height, for example a wooden or metal step, that would require a hole in the trunk.

But I am concerned about any health problems the tree may have in consequence. I've heard the magnolia may be delicate to prune.

Could someone please give me an oppinion on the matter, and/or reccomend a technique/material to add a step to the tree?

 

Thank you very much in advance

[Will C]

A sling choked around the tree could help to put your foot in, just don’t end up hanging in it!

Lyon 25mm Webbing Endless Sling - Climbing Equipment from Gustharts UK

WWW.GUSTHARTS.COM

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Buy Lyon by 25mm Webbing Endless Sling from our Climbing Equipment range - @ Gustharts

Or ratchet strap a block of wood to the tree so it can be adjusted as the tree grows

[OOO]

Children's rope ladders and caving ladders are also fun - if there is a sturdy branch a little higher than the previously removed branches. Or just give him a good ol' fashioned leg up until he's grown bigger and older! You'll probably want to be nearby while he's climbing in the tree anyway - since the little one is only 3. 

 

Once he's heavier, you'll want to remove the ropes and slings anyway - to save harming the magnolia. (It really doesn't want holes in its trunk or branches).

 

 

[Paddy1000111]

Get some nice thick hemp rope from a chandlers and tie knots in it every foot or so 

[Jaume]

Thank you all for the tips and ideas.