Scared to ask...

[Highstrung]

Okay, so I've just set up my new HH ULBA and found it easier than I thought. I still am waiting on my Whoopie Slings to arrive and will convert asap as I hate the current suspension. So here's the question that came to my mind as I gave it my first go:

Is it really necessary to use straps on the trees? In other words, do the small ropes do such damage to the bark that it will distress the tree beyond recovery?

Let me say that I'm prepared to get blasted as I know how everyone uses them. I could see if you were in an area where people hammock often in the same spots like the AT or similar trails and the same trees get hung on a lot, but I can guarantee you, nobody's using them where I'm at. Also, I've already decided to use them regardless, just because if so many people do, there must be a good reason. I just want to hear it.

[Hawk-eye]

Nobody will blast you ... yeah best to use webbing on the trees. Some trees more than others but any use really can damage the bark. Wouldn't call myself a tree hugger but I don't like damaging anything when it can be so easily prevented. The layer under the bark is the life blood of that tree ... best we protect them where we can.

We be needing them thar trees!

[Hooch]

.......Is it really necessary to use straps on the trees?.......

Yes, because hanging from flower pots is generally considered a bad idea.

[gargoyle]

Yep, you gotta use a strap. Ive done some backyard testing and rope does damage the bark. Be kind to your trees, and they will serve you for years to come.

There, was that so bad.?

[Tedinski]

I have always used ropes on my hammocks at home -- just "lounging around" hammocks (I'm very new to the lightweight camping versions!)

Both of my hammocks have been hung on hemlocks. There has never been any damage to the bark that I can see. They get hung in the late spring, and don't come down till fall.

Perhaps it depends on the type of tree, and the thickness of the bark! I believe folks when they say that ropes CAN damage trees. If you're not on public land with continual use (it sounds like you're not!) then I wouldn't worry about it.

Seems to me that straps are quicker to set up anyhow!

[Knotty]

Trees with thin bark are most susceptible to damage but it's good practice to use tree huggers on all trees.

[Highstrung]

Yeah, that's what I was hoping to hear. I'm from WAY down in South East Texas where there's a lot of trees, but hardly any tree huggers. So, to me, for someone to carry extra stuff just to protect the bark of a tree, it screams, "I'm a hippy!" lol But, being edumacated as I have become, I've learned to respect and attempt to protect nature. I think I just wanted to see how big a treehuggers ya'll were! And it sounds like ya'll have some sense about you. I was just 'scared to ask' because some people can be very passionate about the smallest thing when it comes to topics like the environment.

[Perkolady]

I think that the width of the webbing helps to disperse the digging into the bark. Maybe larger diameter rope would help in that area. It seems most folks use smaller diameter rope though.

I also wonder if the roughness of the bark would start to damage the rope after a while?

I personally have tried just hanging with the rope around the trees out here in my yard and I did notice it left a slight indentation.

[Kukri]

OMIGOSH YOU"VE GOTTA PROTECT THE TREES!!! But seriously, webbing looks much cooler than rope attached to the tree anyways. Not only do you protect the trees, but you get to look good doing it. Win-Win situation!

[angrysparrow]

In addition to the answers you've received so far...

You specifically mentioned whoopie slings, which are usually made from 7/64" or 1/8" cording. That is quite a bit thinner than normal 'rope', and it is far more likely to cut into the tree bark because of the small surface area. You definitely need to use some sort of hugger with Amsteel.