How do I get a folder tree view in the left column of the Finder? I'd like to have a tree view of my current folder (it's children and it's parents) for navigation in the left column of the finder's UI. How do I get that?
Favorites in the left hand side is a flat list, but it's a good place to store some frequent destinations.

And make sure to select the third option (circled) so you can have a tree structure in your Finder.

Last but not least, you may notice that the screenshot has a Path Bar at the bottom indicating your current location in the hierarchy. And I think this is the closest thing if you are asking for a Windows Explorer type layout. Enable it in the Finder menu: View->Show Path Bar