Simple Tips on Installing a Tree Swing
Do you want to install a tree swing around your backyard? Tree swings are surely a perfect one to complete your backyard. They can provide a lot of fun for you and also your kids. However, you should install them with care for the sake of your own safety and also for the tree’s health.
How to Install Tree Swings Safely
Actually, there are two different ways to install tree swings. First, you can drill an eye bolt into your tree. Second, you can simply tie the rope to the tree right away. Drilling an eye bolt is considered as the safest method to hang a swing in the tree. Check this following information to install the tree swings safely.
Step 1: Select a Strong Tree and Branch
The first thing to do to install an outdoor tree swing is choosing a sturdy tree and branch around. It is recommended to opt for a hardwood tree because it tends to be sturdy and excellent for installing a swing. Your options include sugar maples, ash trees, and oak trees. Then, here are some tips to get the right tree.
Evaluate the tree’s condition
It is not only the tree that must be healthy. You should make sure that the individual branch is healthy and sturdy enough to hold a swing. For this reason, you need to confirm that the potential tree is not infested with bugs. Then, the branch must not be peeling or cracked. Ask an arborist if you are not sure.
Get a long branch which is equivalent to the ground
When you learn how to hang a tree swing, you are typically supposed to find a long branch which is parallel to the ground. Look for the one that makes an “L” shape. Then, you will require a branch which is minimally 1.8 meters long. However, it should not be over 6.1 meters off the ground.
Step 2: Bolt a Swing to the Tree
Once you found the tree that matches some of the condition mentioned above, you can start to bolt the swing to the tree. This method is much safer than just tying the rope frankly to the tree. More importantly, it can lessen the damage taken by the tree as well. Here are the steps to follow.
Get the eye bolts
Before installing the swing, you need to prepare for the tree swing kit first. When it comes to eye bolts, you should find ones which are 16 mm in diameter. You can employ bigger eye bolts. However, you should not get the smaller ones. After that, drill holes on the branch’s underside. Make them somewhat bigger than the screw’s diameter.
Install the eye bolts
Next, you can screw the prepared eye bolts into the underside of the branch. Once you finish installing the eye bolts, put together an S-hook, carabiner or quick link to the eye bolts. Then, take the rope and knot it onto the link. Make sure that you get the best tree swing straps for the safest swing.
If you’re looking for the best tree swing, we recommend you get the one from Fun Tree Swing. It is easy to install, and made of premium materials which is strong enough and last longer than any other tree swing.
