I have several treestands that are about 9 years old now. The seat and platform are attachedto a 4x4 that is bolted onto a tree with lag bolts. the platform is also chained to the top of the 4x4 on an angle for support, and two pieces of aluminum angle that are screwed to the bottom of the platform arepressed into the bark of the tree as well.

I asked my buddy who built them what is most likely to break/go wrong over time and he said the two, 8 inch lag bolts holding the 4x4 to the tree might break. I figured myself that the lag bolt holding the platform to the 4x4 might come out when someone stands on the platform.

Questions...

Will growth of the tree break the lag bolts that are through the 4x4's into the tree?

Would the best way to sure up the tree be to run another lag bolt through the 4x4's into the tree? Also, should I nail or screw in a piece of 2x4 under the aluminum angle in case the lag bolt connecting the platform to the bottom of the 4x4 comes out?

Thanks!