In-ground post for hammock hanging

I have only one good hanging tree in my backyard. An undersized apple tree is about 26 feet away so hanging between the two isn't very feasible.

I'm thinking about building a post at the optimal distance with enough strength to hold one or two vertical hammocks. Ideally it would be an in-ground sleeve and removable post. Has anyone ever done this before or is there another HF thread on this (I searched but couldn't find anything)?

Here are some if my specific questions:
What should i use for the post?
At what angle should I pitch the post?
How should I anchor the in-ground sleeve?

I've got some ideas but wanted to see what the forum could come up with...

Based on the picture, looks like you could use the apple tree as an anchor for a line running from the post to the base of the apple tree. If you ran a line between the post and the apple tree, assuming the post is directly in line between the two trees, it could help prevent the post from bending or leaning towards the larger tree, once you get in your hammock(s).

a good solid knotless 4x4 treated would work for the post... or you could go 6x6 treated... it really is a toss up... i would just go to the metal yard and get a piece of square steel tubing that either one of those would just barely fit in... it maybe not fit in and then cut it to fit snugly...

i would set the pole straight just because it easiest... and with it being removeable with the post bends you get a new one...

That's a really nice looking backyard. If it were me, I'd hate to (semi) permanently mar it with a post. I'd probably look at making a stand to use:

Some good ones are below. The TurtleLady and TurtleDog stands are very popular.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=8758
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=27777
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ight=turtledog

Then, when not in use, it's very easy to store the stands out of the way.

I would go with at least a 6x6 as I have had 4x4 break on me while hanging. I use pier pilings (think telephone poles) sunk 4 feet in the ground.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Boilers23

What should i use for the post?
At what angle should I pitch the post?
How should I anchor the in-ground sleeve?

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If you decide on pressure treated (PT) lumber, avoid a post with big knots. 4x4s have been known to break, but in theory could hold a modestly sized person. A 4x6 or 6x6 takes away all doubt.

Setting the post in the ground at a slight angle will tend to counteract the force applied by hanging on it.

A PVC drain pipe will work nicely for a sleeve. It shouldn't need to be anchored. As long as the post is 30-36" in the ground you should be fine. You can use a heat gun (slow), a propane torch (CAREFULLY), or hot sand to heat the PVC and form it around the post for a better fit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brute1100

a good solid knotless 4x4 treated would work for the post... or you could go 6x6 treated... it really is a toss up... i would just go to the metal yard and get a piece of square steel tubing that either one of those would just barely fit in... it maybe not fit in and then cut it to fit snugly...

i would set the pole straight just because it easiest... and with it being removeable with the post bends you get a new one...

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+on this. Id like to add to this alittle. Set the square tube in concrete and id go as far as to make it at least 36"+ deep. You can always make a cap for it out of wood.

I saw this in one of the picture threads. You could take a couple of pressure treated 2x4s. About 12" from one end drill a hole thru both 2x4s and insert an eye-bolt and nut thru them to make a giant scissors. If the tree you're tying the hammock to is tree "A", about 12' from tree A, with the eye-bolt end up and eye-bolt facing tree A, and the "feet" end of the scissors spread apart about 3-4 feet, lean the scissors about 30 degrees towards tree B, and tie a line from the 'X' of the scissors to tree B. Hang your hammock between the eye-bolt and tree A. Easy-peasy. No holes in the ground or anything.

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First of all, thanks for all of the ideas and suggestions. Based on the feedback I ended up going with the less permanent solution of strapping to the adjacent small tree and using a pair of crossed 2x4s as an in between connection point. Below are some pictures...

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