Minimum tree diameter for hanging ?

[gargoyle]

If my choices are limited to smaller diameter trees, I've strung a spare line from my suspension tie off point down to the base of an adjacent tree. Helps prevent sway.

[tjm]

A lot depends on the tree. A Sasafrass tree as compared to a white oak of the same diameter would be very different

2 inches to 3 feet, depending on species, and how well they are rooted

If you retighten the suspension, you only make the bending worse. If you raise the suspension, you only make the bending worse. You are kind of hosed if you have to use a small diameter tree that bends

Thank you.

These statements make a lot of sense to me now that I have looked at the equations involved

1- if the wood species is strong enough and its roots deep enough, you can use a small diameter tree

2 - once you have significant bending there is really no way to fix it at the suspensions, you then need to change to different trees or re-enforce the bending tree so the load is further supported

3 - a little bit of tree radius goes a long way

Thanks again

Deflection of tree at location of hammock connection

d = ( f * h * h * h ) / (3 * E * I)

d = deflection of tree at suspension

f = lateral force on tree at suspension due to hammock

h = suspension height from ground suspension

E = modulus of elasticity of the tree

I = moment of inertia

Moment of inertia for a circle

I = pi * r * * r * r *r / 12

r = radius

fyi - the equation for the moment of inertia assumes the tree is a round cylinder of constant diameter

[carolinasbackpacker]

Wouldn't yoy think a lot has to do with the weight of the person in the hammock. I weight around 240 lbs. would that not make a difference?

[Cannibal]

I don't think there is any 'generally accepted rule of thumb' and don't let Cannibal fool you... he has Popeye forearms that are a foot in diameter.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

[tjm]

Wouldn't you think a lot has to do with the weight of the person in the hammock. I weight around 240 lbs. would that not make a difference?

Yeah, but I took weight to be a constant since we are talking about a short period of time.

I mean you are in the woods looking to hang and it is easier to find trees with bigger diameters than it is to instantly lose weight.

[Spogatz]

HEY.....nobody told me there would be a math!!!!

[dblhmmck]

...it is easier to find trees with bigger diameters than it is to instantly lose weight.

Hehe, that's a good one.

[Jsaults]

Many are suffering from the anthractis (sp?) blight, and will topple over onto your hammock.

Jim

[Hooch]

Who invited the Mathletes? Goodness sakes, don't overthink something that can be so simple. Besides, carrying a tape measure goes against the UL creed.

[kthompson]

HH recommends 4" dia. or larger