Hanging from branches

**mrmike65** · 09-02-2012, 11:14

While thinking on the topic of one-tree hanging, I got to wondering the feasibility of hanging between two braches of the same tree. This would likely mean hanging high enough that safety hook-ups would be desirable and wise. It's also likely that you wouldn't be hanging too high into the tree, since you would want branches heavy enough to handle weight and offer the kind of spread you would need.

I guess the main question I have is: what kinds of trees would I want to avoid, based on the tendency for branches to shear more easily than others?

Any other aspects to consider?

Thanks!

**skinnys11** · 09-02-2012, 11:25

yeah ive got an aspect to consider. just use 2 trees and save yourself from falling.... or u try any tree u want and let us know which ones dont work. As for me, im gonna stay about a foot to foot and a half of the ground.

**gunner76** · 09-02-2012, 11:26

just remember to never hang higher than you are willing to fall.

I have seen many oak trees where I live that I could hang my hammock from two branches on the same tree and still be low to the ground. Too bad the trees were on someones front lawn.

**Buffalo Skipper** · 09-02-2012, 12:06

There is a live oak in a nearby public park that has multiple long, low branches that would each support a hammock. I have been wanting to get out there with some friends to see how many hammocks we could hang from a single tree.

**XSrcing** · 09-02-2012, 12:13

These guys did it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/13/ny...pagewanted=all

**mrmike65** · 09-17-2012, 19:24

Originally Posted by skinnys11

yeah ive got an aspect to consider. just use 2 trees and save yourself from falling.... or u try any tree u want and let us know which ones dont work. As for me, im gonna stay about a foot to foot and a half of the ground.

Well and good. I generally prefer to hang near the ground, though I admit to being interested in hanging high, as some have done using saftey gear appropriate for the height. The musing about hanging from branches was stray thought while thinking about one-tree hanging. I like options.

The thought also came to mind while musing on the idea of hanging high. I wonder how those who do deal with the swaying of trees when it's windy? I mean, the higher you go in a tree, the more it will sway. It seems to you must put a lot of slack in a rig set up high. That's what got me to thinking about maybe hanging high from two branches on the same tree. It seems there would still be some swaying, but not as much as between two trees.

Any thoughts from those who hang 'em high?

**mrmike65** · 09-17-2012, 19:26

Originally Posted by XSrcing

These guys did it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/13/ny...pagewanted=all

Nice! Another testament to the utility of the hammock.

**MAD777** · 09-17-2012, 19:27

Rock-a-bye baby, in the tree tops...
We know how that one ended!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist!

**mrmike65** · 09-17-2012, 19:30

Originally Posted by MAD777

Rock-a-bye baby, in the tree tops...
We know how that one ended!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist!

HAHA! Hey, do you think that song was talking about a hammock? Could this be another historical reference?

**bkautzman89** · 09-18-2012, 13:06

i just recently hung from one tree, and one branch only. granted it was a big tree and a big branch. i think i was about 3-4ft from the ground. i just hung my strap near the base of the branch near the tree, and the other strap out about 12ft. not the most comfortable hang, but it still was relatively flat.