Tree Straps or not?

[Looknup]

I always use tree straps for my hammocks but I was wondering about our tarps. Since the tarps don't weigh much and there's not nearly as much stress on the suspension as there is with hammocks is using webbing for tarps a must or is it acceptable to just use the Amsteel or small rope around the tree? It saves in weight not to have to carry two sets of straps but I also want to be evnironmentally acceptable. Recommendations???

[akx]

General consensus I have read on this site is "not necessary" so I don't use em for tarps

[Ramblinrev]

It can depend on the venue. In a public place where tying ropes of any kind to trees is prohibited it might best to use webbing straps as a technicality hoping for the best. In the back woods it is probably not needed.

[kayak karl]

great minds think alike. i asked that 4 years ago. LOL
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...44270#poststop

[Boothill]

if your worried about your cordage from the tarp damaging the tree just use a couple trial sticks between the rope and the tree to disperse the force

boot

[Looknup]

if your worried about your cordage from the tarp damaging the tree just use a couple trial sticks between the rope and the tree to disperse the force

boot

Good thinkin

[Passinthru]

There is a recent thread in the 'General' section, (titled "sigh"), started by 'OldGringo', that brings up this subject.
I can see two possible problems with 'ridgeline only' suspension. The first, is the possible tree damage. The second is the fact that the small diameter lines often used can easily get caught, tangled, wedged, in the bark of some trees.
I am considering this: 3 or 4 ft. of webbing permanently attached to the 'fixed' end of the ridgeline. Just flip this around the tree and attach back to itself with a Dutch hook or similiar. At the tensioning end, a normal tree strap could be used with the ridgeline attached to it when the tarp is hung. Another option at the tensioning end would be to slip the ridgeline thru a short length of tubular webbing that could be moved into proper position as a tree protector.
The ridgeline at the 'tensioning end' actually needs to be able to move some on the bark of the tree as tension is applied (depending on your system). The tree strap at that end would eliminate the need for anything to move against the bark and the tubular webbing idea would let the ridgeline move inside the webbing without catching on the bark. One thing, though. The 'line thru webbing' idea wouldn't really spread out the forces against the bark that much.
I haven't tried any of this yet - and it will add more weight and 'fiddling' but it was noted in the other thread that some areas are requiring tree protection on tarp lines as well as hammock suspension. Best be prepared, I guess.

[titanium_hiker]

I believe one of the provisos for hammocks being allowed in Florida state parks was that the tarps need to be attached on webbing straps (they say the same ones as the hammock, but I guess separate webbing straps would be OK).

However, the general consensus has been that the load on tarps is much less than the loads on hammocks.

I suppose I agree with "depends on the venue"! Make sure you don't do something that gets hammocks banned.

TH

[djminnesota]

Small pices of that airline tubing stuff used in fish tanks can do the trick uf youre worried about hurting the trees

[DivaB]

If I'm not fumbling with my fingers, I use sticks to help keep the tarp cord from rubbing or cutting into the back of the tree.