Swingin’ from a big tree is all about having an amazing and amusing time for not just children but adults as well. At the same time, there’s not anything fun about compromising the fitness of your tree and having to address the harm it might cause down the road.
A rope and a branch with not anything in between 
can really damage a tree. Each time you are taking a swing, the rope rubs against the branch, sooner or later stripping off pieces of bark and leaving the tree open and vulnerable to pests or diseases. To prevent your tree from worn down bark, slide a tube of rubber usually a thick section of an inner tube from a bicycle will work outside the rope so it’s not directly at the tree.
Another choice is drilling into the trunk and popping in eye bolts to hang the rope. This approach can also cause harm due to the fact wounded bark exposes timber to infection. Mature and healthful trees have the capacity to heal wounds on their own over the years, so this method isn’t absolutely out of the norm. But, understand that drilling into bark is a risky procedure, and there’s no way to preserve your tree from harm this still leaves harm to chance.
Read on to find out about the known techniques to developing a kid-proof, tree-friendly swing that can last for years to come durability for not just the tree swing but for the tree's sake as well.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TREE SWINGS FOR KIDS AND A TREE
Before rigging up the rope, run your tree through a 3-factor checklist to make sure it’s an amazing candidate for a tree swing.
The tree is installed and robust. Mature hardwood trees like maple, oak, and sycamore are the finest recommended trees for tree swings. Avoid more delicate trees like willow, birch, evergreen or ash.
The trunk has to be thick in order to preserve the swing that is sufficiently thick enough. The rule of thumb is to connect to a branch that’s as a minimum 8 inches in diameter. Finding a branch that is 12 inches or wider in diameter would be ideal.
Correct fitness. Cracks or splits inside the trunk, dead or decayed spots in branches simply put would be a tree that is a hazard, it isn’t in tip-top shape for a tree swing.
If you’re not pretty certain that your tree passes the check, before you make a decision to install it yourself or with a contractor, we recommend having a certified Arborist do an inspection of the tree. Many Arborists if you explain what you are doing should be happy to take a look for around $100 to do an inspection. It would be well worth the investment since who will be swinging in the tree swing will be much more valuable. Search our site with your zip code above to find and connect with credible local Arborists in your area.
When you’re itching to do an outdoor project, you should 100% want the appearance for your trees to remain top-notch. Many homeowners are curious about hammering or screwing a birdhouse in their tree or maybe screwing in a hammock to two trees, so the question that comes up is, “Are you able to drill your tree with a nail or screw?” Some trees are sturdy enough to enable a new accent like small screws and nails, but others you could be causing them harm. When it comes to installing a tree swing almost everyone considers using nails, staples, or screws when in reality it isn’t necessary, but if you choose to we’ll give some tips below.
HOW TO DRILL OR HAMMER A NAIL IN A TREE WITHOUT HURTING IT
Truth is, drilling a screw or hammering a nail into your tree will inevitably both will end up going away, into the tree it will grow around and over the screw or nail in a short time. But if done the right way and in a manner that is right by the tree, you could avoid serious, long-time harm. To hold your tree as safe as feasibly possible.
Be aware of the kind of nails or screws you operate.
Analyze areas of the tree that are best suited.
Don’t get hammer happy. The more holes you create, the more you stress the tree out.
Keep in mind that some trees are better candidates than others.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TYPES OF NAILS AND SCREWS FOR TREES?
The #1 component you don’t want is for a nail or screw on your tree to rust over the years. That’s why it’s recommended to select chrome, steel, aluminum or any other type rust-proof type of nails and screws for your project.
WHAT IS THE BEST LOCATION ON THE TRUNK OR AROUND BRANCHES FOR STABILITY?
The precise spot you drill doesn’t make a massive difference, but the health of the tree plays a large role in the stability of your new accessory or tree swing your installing life span and longevity.
Healthy trees are difficult, and once they’re drilled into with a nail or screw, they’ll start a method known as compartmentalization, this means that they evidently heal the area across the wound to guard that area of the tree against potential infection.
SHOULD CERTAIN TREES BE AVOIDED?
Yes, trees that are already vulnerable or damaged from contamination ought to not be prodded with nails, staples or screws. The hardware will cut into the layer below tree bark that’s responsible for moving water and vitamins into parts of the tree. Does this mean that an already vulnerable tree will have a harder time getting the nutrients? Yes! It might survive but it might need to regain its strength. Plus, a brand new hollow hole put into a tree creates a new entry point for opportunistic pests. The bottom line is you ought to not burden an already pressured tree.
HOW TO HANG A TREE SWING SAFELY
Feel assured that if you use these techniques you should have the protection of your tree and tree swing with these tips.
Use a reliable rope fabric like polyester or braided nylon. It must be at least 3 forths of an inch or wider in diameter.
Leave a minimum of three feet of space between the trunk and the swing.
Measure for the right height. Swings need to sit approximately 24 inches off the ground.
Ensure a safe landing! Attach the swing above a place complete of grass and freed from uncovered roots.
Inspect the rope periodically to make certain it’s in superb condition and shape, and replace it once you notice it starts to wear down.
Update the rope periodically so it stays in shape and avoids girdling.
Hopefully, this helps you with your next tree swing venture, use these tips and tricks to make sure you have a successful installation while maintaining the health of the tree, along with the safety of your loved ones. Should you need tree care services in the future, whether tree trimming, tree removal or stump removal Arborists Near Me can help. Find and connect with the areas best local tree care companies and Arborists. Feel free to browse our blog read up on other homeowners and tree owner topics you will be surprised with a plethora of information that helps homeowners just like you.
