Rope Swing Ideas

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Tree rope swings, especially homemade ones, can have character that other swings might lack. You can be creative and enjoy installing a tree rope swing. Make safety a priority, however.

Throw the knotted end over the tree limb where you'll hang the swing, pass the other end through the loop, and pull the knot snug against the tree limb. Then tie a second double-bowline and attach the snap link with the swing rope so the seat is about 18 in above the ground. Repeat for the other tree limb rope.

Attachment

A sturdy, horizontal limb provides an ideal attachment for a tree swing. Of course a sound tree and limb free from rot, cracks and other defects is essential. Outside world synonym. Lashing ropes around the limb directly might work OK initially, but it can lead to friction, premature wear and, ultimately, rope failure. Using heavy-duty, galvanized, self-threading eye-bolts screwed into the limb’s underside alleviates the problem. The rope, once tied into the eye part of the eye-bolt securely, will slip along the eye’s smooth, curved surface with less friction than it would if an eye-bolt weren't used.

Seat Type

A sufficiently thick, round or oval piece of wood with a hole in the center can serve as a simple swing seat. Threading the rope through the seat’s center hole and tying a knot larger than the hole on the seat’s underside secures the seat to the rope. If you prefer a more comfortable seat and a rope for each hand, then use a rectangular piece of wood with a hole centered near each of its short ends, and attach two ropes using the same method as with the one-hole seat.

Rope

Ropes come in a variety of materials, construction styles and prices. A natural-fiber rope, such as manila rope, may lend a bit of nostalgia to a tree rope swing, but it may tend to shrink when wet. Shrinkage usually decreases after the rope gets wet the first time. Lower-priced natural-fiber ropes have slivers, and they can result in an unpleasant experience on the swing. Twisted nylon ropes are strong and lack manila rope’s drawbacks, but they generally stretch considerably. A poly-Dacron rope is strong, sliver-free and doesn’t have the stretching problem of nylon ropes.

Height

Limb height and accessibility, of course, limit a tree rope swing’s height. Assuming an accessible and sturdy limb is available, you can attach the swing rope, or ropes, as high as you like within reason. Naturally, a high swing produces a long, sweeping arc while an exceptionally short one yields an abrupt and quick travel time for the swing. A high swing tends to make swinging against the tree's trunk more of a risk than it is with a low swing.

About the Author

Donald Miller has a background in natural history, environmental work and conservation. His writing credits include feature articles in major national print magazines and newspapers, including 'American Forests' and a nature column for 'Boys' Life Magazine.' Miller holds a Bachelor of Science in natural resources conservation.

Photo Credits

• Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

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A tree swing, whether it's for a single person, two people or a tire swing, showcases the quintessential idea of summer enjoyment. Hanging the swing doesn't require many tools, but it needs a bit of planning to make sure you have the right materials on hand. Hanging it the right way keeps both you and the tree safe.

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Finding the Right Limb

The first step in hanging any tree swing is finding the right tree. Hardwoods work best; avoid soft wood such as fruit trees and evergreens. The limb should be between 12 and 20 feet off the ground and at least 8 inches in diameter when measured 3 feet from the trunk, the ideal location to place your tree swing. Examine the limb carefully for signs of damage or disease, contacting an arborist if necessary, to ensure the limb is healthy.

Rope

Rope isn't the most ideal way to hang a tree swing because the friction from the swinging rope can cut into the bark. The rope moves slightly with each swing, so the tree can't heal itself properly by growing over the rope, leaving constantly open wounds in the branch. However, it can work if you take the right precautions. Use rope made of a long-lasting fiber, such as polyester or nylon, that's at least one-half inch thick. Slide a piece of rubber tubing over the rope where it will touch the branch to ensure it doesn't cut into the limb. Tying the rope with a type of slipknot, such as a bowline knot, allows the knot to loosen when you're not on the swing so it can expand as the limb grows.

Eye Hooks

For a better way to hang your swing, use eye hooks, which are stationary, so they don't cause long-lasting damage like rope can. Although the hooks make holes in the branch, limbs often can grow over the bolts, healing themselves and making the bolts permanent fixtures. To install the hooks, measure the diameter of the limb and buy half-inch to five-eighths-inch diameter eye hooks with posts slightly longer than the limb. Drilling a hole through the branch provides a path through which you can drive the eye hook with the hook extending down toward the ground. The hook is held in place with two nuts tightened on the top. A carabiner attached to the eye hook provides a convenient place to connect your swing with rope or chain.

Chain

According to the Today's Homeowner website, you shouldn't wrap chain around a branch to install a swing, although it's fine to connect a chain to a carabiner after installing eye hooks. The different heights of the middle and end sections of the chain links can create deep grooves in the limb that can't heal. The more you swing, the more the links rub against the wood and dig into it. Rope typically offers a smooth surface so is more acceptable than a chain, although eye hooks are best because they cause the least amount of damage to the tree limb.

About the Author

Based outside Atlanta, Ga., Shala Munroe has been writing and copy editing since 1995. Beginning her career at newspapers such as the 'Marietta Daily Journal' and the 'Atlanta Business Chronicle,' she most recently worked in communications and management for several nonprofit organizations before purchasing a flower shop in 2006. She earned a BA in communications from Jacksonville State University.