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

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 

Wooden Hammock Stands Recalled by Pottery Barn

October 2nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Pottery Barn Inc. and the US Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced yesterday a recall of 30,000 Chinese-manufactured wooden hammock stands. It seem that when the stands are used outdoors, the wood can deteriorate over time and break, resulting in falls, lacerations, and in one instance fractured ribs.  There have been 50 reports of the stands breaking, with 12 incidents of injury. OW! Not good!

The wooden hammock stands measure about 154 ½ inches long by 53 ½ inches in height by 53 inches in width. There are two black metal brackets on the base and on the arms of the hammock stand. The stands were sold from the Pottery Barn’s catalog and Web site from March 2003 through July 2008 for about $300. All Pottery Barn two pole wooden hammock stands sold from 2003 through 2008 are included in this recall.

Now if you or someone you know bought one of these wood hammock stands, Pottery Barn wants you to remove and save the two top side metal brackets of the hammock stand (circled in red on the photo at left) and throw out the remaining portion of the hammock stand. Do save your hammock - I assume it’s something you may still want. ;-) Then, contact Pottery Barn to schedule a free pickup of the brackets and to receive a merchandise credit for the amount of the stand. If you have any questions or need additional info about the recall contact Pottery Barn toll-free at (888) 942-9245 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.potterybarn.com/content/shop/recall/index.cfm (link will take you to the company’s hammock stand recall page).

If you need a new hammock stand check out our articles on how to choose hammock stands, buying discounted hammock stands, and our feature of the beautiful Roman Arc hammock stand.  If you’re a DIY’er, check out this wooden hammock stand kit.

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