INTERVIEW: Pete Nelson gets ready to climb the trees once again on ‘Treehouse Masters’
Pete Nelson, the always-smiling subject of Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters, is a man meant for a life in the trees. He takes on new projects with a childlike enthusiasm and sense of wonder, marveling in his team’s ability to make a lofty dream a workable reality. His adventures in treehouse building continue with new episodes Fridays at 10 p.m. on Animal Planet.
On the new season of Treehouse Masters, Nelson and company bring to life a French-inspired restaurant, a structure inspired by Swiss Family Robinson and a project for famed country singer Zac Brown. On the July 15 episode, Nelson’s company “give a thrill-seeking couple the treehouse of their dreams — an adventure headquarters in the sky, sitting 16 feet high in three cedar trees with a wraparound deck that provides 360 degrees of stunning views.”
Recently, Nelson took some time from his hectic schedule to answer some of Hollywood Soapbox’s questions via email. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What’s your biggest worry when beginning a project?
My biggest worry is if there will proper trees on the property. I’ll fly off to a new city and state for a potential client, and your hope is that when you get there will you find a good long living species of trees. Once you find the trees it’s more about figuring out the access to the tree, can you drive right up to the site, do you need a helicopter? Treehouses are always challenging us in new ways!
Were you big into treehouses as a child?
I had a treehouse when I was growing up that I built with my dad, and that is always fun. I would say that there was a gap in my interest. Right around the age of 16 when you get your driver’s license, I got distracted. But I was lucky, and around age 25, I really reconnected with my passion.
What do you think viewers learn from Treehouse Masters?
I hope that viewers are learning to get outside more. I want them to explore the woods and to build a treehouse of their own! It’s really important to connect with the outdoors, and I hope after watching our show, it inspires people to explore their own forests with their best buddy or family!
How was it working on the project for Zac Brown?
This is so much fun! The treehouse has just grown and grown in size. Zac Brown is an amazing person and such a philanthropist. His music is great, but he is doing amazing things for the community. It’s almost complete, and I can’t wait for viewers and fans of the show to see it. It’s like nothing I have built or seen ever before. I’m so excited!
Do you relish being a reality TV star? Do you watch new episodes?
I love it. I think it drives my wife crazy because when I meet a fan of the show, I’ll sit and chat until the cows come home. I really do watch the show religiously. I’ve only missed a few because I have been on a plane,but other than that, I’m always tuning in! Since I’m on the road so much, I always check my hotel TV for Animal Planet!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Treehouse Masters continues with new episodes Fridays at 10 p.m. on Animal Planet. Click here for more information. Click here for Hollywood Soapbox’s previous interviews with Pete Nelson.
