Hanging A Hammock From A Tree? Make Sure The Tree Is Sound and Strong

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Hanging A Hammock From A Tree? Make Sure The Tree Is Sound and Strong

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

We all know and love the idyllic image of hanging a hammock from a pair of stout trees. That shade-dappled haven calls us like a siren to come and hang out for a while. But even if your hammock’s been hanging from that tree like forever, you must check the tree every year for soundness and stability. Tragically that lesson was brought home in Bromfield MA this week when a mother and 15-year-old daughter were critically injured in a freak backyard accident. The pair were resting in a hammock suspended between trees after doing yardwork. Unknown to them, a 24-inch diameter tree supporting the hammock had rotted over the winter. It fell, pinning them underneath it. The daughter later died from her injuries. The mother is expected to survive. It’s very sad that such a wonderful day spent outdoors together should end so horribly.

The harsh winter has taken a toll on many trees. Here in Georgia the ongoing drought has severely weakened many trees and they can fall in an instant. I’ve got a few on my property (quite smaller than the one in the story) that I’ve literally pushed over with a good shove.

Before you suspend that beautiful hammock from any tree or get into a hammock that’s been hanging from a tree for many seasons, check that tree thoroughly for soundness and stability. Give it a good healthy shove or two. If in doubt, call an arborist to check your trees’ health. Better safe than badly injured or worse. Don’t forget to check the ropes or hammock hanging straps for any signs of decay or wear, and replace them if they’re worn. It’s generally recommended that a tree be at least six to seven inches in diameter to hang a hammock, and that it be a hardwood tree like oak or maple. Check out our previous post for more hammock hanging tips here. Please, before you take that first hammock siesta of the year, check the tree supporting your hammock. Your health and life may indeed hang on it.

Tragedy Claims Bromfield Freshman - via Nashoba Publishing Online