Second tree needed

[Big Jim Mac]

Just got my ENO double hammock and knew this was going to happen -- can't find two trees the correct distance apart in my 3 acre yard. I do have a patch of woods (jungle) that surely has something once I get the chain saw, mower and weed eater in gear. Just wondering though if any of you have some tips for setting a pole or likewise coming up with that "second tree"? Thought about just backing the SUV close to the big pin oak in the backyard but I can just picture myself driving off with it still attached. Also what's the max distance between trees you have used?

[gargoyle]

The farther apart your trees, the straps will need to go higher up the trees. It falls back on the 30 degree recommended hang angle. My two trees are 25 feet apart and my straps are a permanent fixture (spare straps) at eight feet off the ground approx.

On "normal" set up trees, 15 to 20 feet apart works best, for me.

On your question of a planting a pole or post, get a 4x4 post and dig yourself a hole.
Suggested length of post, 9-10 feet long, dig hole 3-4 feet deep, pack gravel in the bottom of the hole. Insert post, level the pole, apply more layers of gravel, packing every few inches, till full.
The gravel holds the post firm, and allows for water to drain, preventing rot.

[Big Jim Mac]

Thanks Gargoyle. Would you put the post at an angle or use a brace? Set many a fence post in my day and that's the method I used, putting gravel in the hole. But I always remember the gates sagging if we didn't brace heavily.

[oldgringo]

Distance apart is a blondes/brunettes/redheads question...my preference is 12-15 feet.

On poles, I recommend round v square...much easier on your straps.

In full agreement w/Gargoyle on how to set poles...deeper is better, gravel is a good thing. Tamp it well.

[peanuts]

as a long time ENO user (9+yrs) 12- 15 feet is enough 12 - 14 even better.

[Shug]

Dig into the jungle and find your sweet spot!
Have a terrific hang.
Shug

[KerMegan]

if your Pin Oak is wide spread enough; you could hang from 2 branches on the same tree- as long as they can support a tire swing or equivalent they should be fine for hammock- just don't pick two that are opposite of each other!
KM (who had to do just that at one camp out...)

[Mundele]

I'd suggest using pressure treated lumber (to prevent rot). Try to find a "clear" one without many knots.

Also when you fill the hole, rather than gravel, buy a bag of "quickrete" concrete mix with the gravel included. Don't wet it, just dump it int here dry and tamp it like you would gravel. Over time moisture from the ground will wet out the concrete and it'll set up.

--Matt

[soundmanob]

My fav distance is about 17-20 ft because my 15ft pole setup leaves just enough room for the tarp (9x11) to cover the hammock and leave room for tying tarp ridge lines.
I would lay out my tarp and measure, then go at least 18 inches past that on either end. Also I like my pole a little higher than eye height, so 4 ft in ground, 7 ft above ground, meaning a 11-12 ft pole/4x4. Like the round shape idea. I took some coarse sandpaper and smoothed the corners off.
Just my two cents worth...

[gargoyle]

Thanks Gargoyle. Would you put the post at an angle or use a brace? Set many a fence post in my day and that's the method I used, putting gravel in the hole. But I always remember the gates sagging if we didn't brace heavily.

Plumb, vertical. If you have 1/3 of the post buried, (6 foot out, 3 foot buried-9 foot total) it'll be good. A gate hangs 24/7, hopefully you won't hang that much.
And how deep you bury the pole, depends on your soil. Just to be safe, buy a 10 footer, bury 4 foot.

I've done the concrete dry mix that was suggested by Mundele, it does work. I mix some of the sand from the hole into the whole mix, sets up after a few rains.