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Step 1
I don't like scarring trees with nails and so I suggest you support your tree house from the ground. I took a pallet that had been used for faux-stone that actually had pre-built sides already in place. I then took a rope and climbed the tree I wanted to set the pallet in. I found a tree that looked like the palm of my hand with my fingers curling upward. This will allow kids to grab branches in case of a fall. The more branches the better.
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Step 2
Once you have located the perfect tree, make sure there aren't any dangerous objects beneath the tree, such as rocks, or sharp stuff. by using a pre-built pallet you already have the floor of your fort. Raise it into the tree using the rope I mentioned. You will need to climb to a point higher then where the tree house will sit so you can raise it from the ground and then lower it into place. Once you have it in place use long boards to support it from the ground and nail them in place. You should have four supports, one under each corner of the pallet. Use carpet remnants to cover all rough spots on the tree house to avoid slivers. Once you have secured the pallet in the trees you can then untie the rope you used to put it into place . If you can find some old railroad ties to anchor your four supports, on the ground, this will allow greater stability.
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Step 3
Now lets say your tree house is 16 feet above the ground. Within the four supporting uprights I want you to place a platform every 4 feet. Cut a hole in alternating sides so the kids have to climb from one platform to the next until reaching the top. then surround the four uprights and platforms with a strong netting. The idea is to get the kids to climb to the top through the center and not up the sides. You can place guard rails around the top of the tree house and if your budget allows for it, you can purchase some jungle gym rope nets and weave it in and out of the surrounding branches. You want the experience to be liberating, but not dangerous.
