Is branch protection a good idea before hanging a tire swing?

[Urbicide]

Hi. I have been asked by the seven year old grand daughter of my friend to install a tire swing for her somewhere on my woodlot. I believe I know of a suitable tree that would be great. I was wondering about the detrimental effects on the tree itself. Should I use anything to pad the branch before I tie the rope to it? If so, what? This little girl is such a sweet heart. I'm lucky that she isn't 16 and wanting a car!

Thanks
Vince

 

[elmnut]

if you can't use 1/2" forged eyebolts to go through the limb and attach the swing, the you can use old fire hose to protect the cambium of the limb. Run the rope through the hose, the place over the limb and tie. T he bolts going through the limb and fastened with a washer and nut is better in my opinion though.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Use a good quality rope and tie a running bowline. When the swing is loaded, it will sinch tight against the limb and prevent tree damage. When the swing is unloaded, the knot will loosen and allow for growth.
For about $50, you can get a mountain climbing rope that has a strong core, and a cover that prevents abrasion and solar degradation to that core. Rated at about 6000 pounds, you should feel confident for years to come. The whole thing can be set and tested from the ground.

 

[treeseer]

I do it exactly Mike's way. Unless the kid is really fat or the bark is thin like a beech, I would not sweat the cushion. I definitely would not drill unless the weight was great. Just my approach.

 

[Sprig]

Have ta agree, its easy to protect the branch, I have used a piece of tyre (abut 18-22") , punched holes in the corners and used bolts, then ran the hanger points from between the bolts I used, rings in place I don't think it'll hurt the tree and the weight displacement of the rubber works too. i do not think that tying to the tree is good (ie ropes wund around it) so if you have a good platform where the swing swings freely this is good imho. Opinions?

 

[Treeman67]

have anyone ever though about bark injuries, i have seen even if you used rope through hose cause to rub the bark cause lateral limb to decay or weakness and grown into it suffocates the lateral limb if it hanged over several years and eye loop screw is not option dues to stripped out bored hole if swing tire been abuse shock load. Bolt and nut i would be pissed if my saw cut hit steel bolt inside of limb and no one mentioned it..
Treeman67

 

[treeseer]

My swing is on a rope that is wound around a 6" post oak branch. I put my 190# on it regularly to swing, and fear not for the branch's health. I'm going to move it later this summer and will take a pic and report back here.

I know it's not a problem though.

 

[Sprig]

Hey tree, you misunderstood me on the bolt thing, it goes through the rubber not the tree, the idea being to isolate the rubbing of the bark and protect it. The bolts and swing rings are ONLY in the tyre part. Just thought I'd clear that up before I get too much heck lol

opcorn: opcorn: opcorn: Hey, popcorn makes me thirsty!




Serge

 

[rebelman]

I drill a 3/8" pilot hole four inches deep, then install a half inch lag hook and thimble with 1/2" rigging rope. Only on well attached branches. Most times I leave the rope and let the customer finish it with their choice of swing.