Scared to ask...

**Doctari** · 01-07-2010, 12:27

As hinted at above, it also depends on the trees you use. My 20 year old oak seems to suffer no damage with repeated use of the ropes supplied by Grand Trunk, but the Ginkgo is still showing signs of damage from the inch & a half straps I used on it,, 3 years ago, 2 non-consecutive nights.

I use straps now on every tree, like said above, we need those trees!!!

**KerMegan** · 01-07-2010, 13:10

Also if you are hanging in Federal, state or public parks; the rangers who protect the resources will be happy (or at least less grumpy)that you are striving to avoid damage to the trees! see also- leave no trace philosophy/habits.
KM

**sclittlefield** · 01-07-2010, 13:47

First off - I am no tree hugger and gladly slaughtered a small Pine this Christmas.

That said...

One more thing to keep in mind... it's not so much the bark that is the issue, but what's right under the bark. The damage done may not be visually evident, but can be significant. Also bear in mind that the pressures on that rope are not pound for pound - the stress increases dramatically in proportion to your actual weight based upon the angle of the suspension line, so those thin diameter lines can really dig in (even if you're not seeing it much on the actual bark).

Good to use the webbing, and anyway - you'd be hard pressed to use whoopie slings without it.

**keys?** · 01-07-2010, 13:50

Treehugger, strap user.

**WarmSoda** · 01-07-2010, 13:56

Another thread along the same lines with information about tree huggers.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=12531

**oldgringo** · 01-07-2010, 14:02

Originally Posted by 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.

Cheese cutters come to mind.

I'm a tree hugger, but I don't give two hoots in hell about an individual tree here and there...trees die every day.*shrug* Entire landscapes are something else again.

What I do care about is our "sport", and its future. We live and die, not by fact, but by perception, and the perception is that straps are the gentler, less destructive choice. We should do everything possible to control the spin, lest we be regulated out of public places.

**Perkolady** · 01-07-2010, 14:06

Originally Posted by oldgringo

What I do care about is our "sport", and its future. We live and die, not by fact, but by perception, and the perception is that straps are the gentler, less destructive choice. We should do everything possible to control the spin, lest we be regulated out of public places.

Well put, Oldgringo!