want to build a swing between two trees

totallysick · 20th October 2008, 05:00 AM

My daughter wants a swing. We have lots of trees on our property but no low limbs.

Is it ok to attach lumber to the tree trunks? If so, what kind of hardware or method would I use.

I hope this is not off topic but not sure who to ask. The daughter and I really appreciate your expert opinions.

Jeff Darby · 20th October 2008, 08:45 AM

Attaching a swing to a tree is old world, I would recomend that you make one up from coppers logs independant of the tree.

Attaching a swing to a tree is not in the tree's best interest it can lead to premature failure of the limb it's attached to.IMO.

Garry Brockley · 20th October 2008, 04:48 PM

There was a thread a while ago on this subject try this Attaching tree swing

Blum · 18th May 2010, 11:02 PM

What do you recommend for building a high swing between two tall vertical trees? We do not have any good horizontal limbs. My kids are pretty big and adventurous, so I am thinking about hanging the swing 25 feet up and would like to it support adults too. The trees are mature, about 12" trunks.

The two best trees are about 10 feet apart and there is a nice clear path for the swing between them. I was reading your discussion about the eye bolts. Could I put eye bolts on each tree with a cable or chain between them. I was thinking about a piece of garden hose to keep the two ropes from sliding together. Suggestions welcome.

Eric Frei · 18th May 2010, 11:09 PM

What is the distance between the two trees?

Loads supported on a horizontal tight line, like a tight rope, can create a force 5X the suspended weight. So if a 100kg adult was on the swing which hung from a tight wire between the two trees you'd get around 500kg of force on each terminal end of the tight wire, not the best.

But replace the tight wire with a steel rod if the trees are close enough then a different barrel of fish eh.

Most of the voodoo science about drilling holes in trees comes from people who have polarized views and prefer the planet eradicated of the human species.

Blum · 18th May 2010, 11:35 PM

The distance between the two trees is about 9-10 ft or 3 meters. It's a little hard to tell because the distance varies a bit as the trees go up. We have some tree house building experience and know that if a rigid support is placed between two horizontal trees without room for the trees to sway in the wind, the wind will be enough to crack a bolt. So we have to build in some give to put a support between two trees.

Brent Ferris · 29th June 2010, 06:45 AM

The biggest problem will be compromising the strength of the trunks. THe horizontal stress, and the fact that the trees can no longer sway as they once did, may well lead to trunk failure, and one or more of the tree tops breaking off.

Trees always seem like a great solution for a swing. But they take a long time to grow, and stresses they never grew to allow for can bring about their early demise.

Couldn't you anchor two steel posts in the ground (posts come up to 40 feet long) and suspend your swing in a safe and known environment. If necessary, paint green leaves on the posts.

20th October 2008, 05:00 AM	#1
totallysick I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ball Ground Georgia USA Posts: 1	want to build a swing between two trees My daughter wants a swing. We have lots of trees on our property but no low limbs. Is it ok to attach lumber to the tree trunks? If so, what kind of hardware or method would I use. I hope this is not off topic but not sure who to ask. The daughter and I really appreciate your expert opinions.

20th October 2008, 08:45 AM	#2
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,059	Re: want to build a swing between two trees Attaching a swing to a tree is old world, I would recomend that you make one up from coppers logs independant of the tree. Attaching a swing to a tree is not in the tree's best interest it can lead to premature failure of the limb it's attached to.IMO. __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011

20th October 2008, 04:48 PM	#3
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,641	Re: want to build a swing between two trees There was a thread a while ago on this subject try this Attaching tree swing __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

18th May 2010, 11:02 PM	#4
Blum I'm new here so be nice Join Date: May 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2	Re: want to build a swing between two trees What do you recommend for building a high swing between two tall vertical trees? We do not have any good horizontal limbs. My kids are pretty big and adventurous, so I am thinking about hanging the swing 25 feet up and would like to it support adults too. The trees are mature, about 12" trunks. The two best trees are about 10 feet apart and there is a nice clear path for the swing between them. I was reading your discussion about the eye bolts. Could I put eye bolts on each tree with a cable or chain between them. I was thinking about a piece of garden hose to keep the two ropes from sliding together. Suggestions welcome.

18th May 2010, 11:09 PM	#5
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: want to build a swing between two trees What is the distance between the two trees? Loads supported on a horizontal tight line, like a tight rope, can create a force 5X the suspended weight. So if a 100kg adult was on the swing which hung from a tight wire between the two trees you'd get around 500kg of force on each terminal end of the tight wire, not the best. But replace the tight wire with a steel rod if the trees are close enough then a different barrel of fish eh. Most of the voodoo science about drilling holes in trees comes from people who have polarized views and prefer the planet eradicated of the human species. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

18th May 2010, 11:35 PM	#6
Blum I'm new here so be nice Join Date: May 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2	Re: want to build a swing between two trees The distance between the two trees is about 9-10 ft or 3 meters. It's a little hard to tell because the distance varies a bit as the trees go up. We have some tree house building experience and know that if a rigid support is placed between two horizontal trees without room for the trees to sway in the wind, the wind will be enough to crack a bolt. So we have to build in some give to put a support between two trees.

29th June 2010, 06:45 AM	#7
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: want to build a swing between two trees The biggest problem will be compromising the strength of the trunks. THe horizontal stress, and the fact that the trees can no longer sway as they once did, may well lead to trunk failure, and one or more of the tree tops breaking off. Trees always seem like a great solution for a swing. But they take a long time to grow, and stresses they never grew to allow for can bring about their early demise. Couldn't you anchor two steel posts in the ground (posts come up to 40 feet long) and suspend your swing in a safe and known environment. If necessary, paint green leaves on the posts.

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