Tree size

[321jer]

Is there a generally accepted minimum tree size to hang from?

Jeremy

[oldgringo]

The one that doesn't bend. Small is good...size matters.

[tri-pod bob]

I've often seen a 4" diameter referenced as a minimum.

[MagicPaddler]

I have had many camp sites without trees large enough to hold a hammock by their selves. What I do is put up the tarp ridge line first and tie it to the tree that I will hang the hammock from then run the ridge line at a 45° angle on to the base of another tree. This makes the load on the main tree a vertical load so it does not bend over. I have used some trees that were as small as 2&1/2 inches and they worked well. It is not what I prefer but in a pinch it works. I like trees 6 inches or larger in diameter to hang without bracing. I prefer trees 12” or more.

[old4hats]

A 4" tree of one species might not be as strong as a 4" tree of another species. I usually just try to bend them and if they are too stiff to bend, then hang on.

[Tinmar]

For what it is worth, Prince William National Forest requires min 6" tree and 2" straps. And they have ranger who us eager to enforce.

[clb]

The one that doesn't bend. Small is good...size matters.

Ha!, that was exactly my thought :-)

[321jer]

I have had many camp sites without trees large enough to hold a hammock by their selves. What I do is put up the tarp ridge line first and tie it to the tree that I will hang the hammock from then run the ridge line at a 45° angle on to the base of another tree. This makes the load on the main tree a vertical load so it does not bend over. I have used some trees that were as small as 2&1/2 inches and they worked well. It is not what I prefer but in a pinch it works. I like trees 6 inches or larger in diameter to hang without bracing. I prefer trees 12” or more.

So the head of your hammock and head of tarp are on the same tree but the foot of both are attached to different trees?

[1066vik]

depends on species - 6" catalpa bends, 4" oak doesn't.

[JP_dog]

I have hung from a stand of 2" alders that bent like crazy, I put my line over a fork and wrapped around half a dozen. It took a looooong time to get the lay right since I had to hang from a 4 wheeler on the foot end, but it kept my quilt off the scrub, barely. The only other tree was standing dead spruce. The alder stand gave great wind protection btw.