Putting eyehooks into trees

[lesspayne]

Not that I have done this or want to do this but I'm wondering why shouldn't I screw some permanent hooks or eyes into my trees to hang my hammock from? The reason I ask is I have been watching this show about tree houses and the architect, Pete Nelson screws these huge posts into the trees to hold up his tree houses.

So what's the big deal if I want to permanently have some hooks to hang my hammock from attached to my trees? If Pete can screw some 2" posts into the trees without worrying about damage why should I worry over a little 1/2" hook or eye?

[Brady]

If it's at home in your yard I don't see a problem. Elsewhere, it's more of a respect nature thing.

[David]

a screwed in bolt or hook is how tree surgeons connect to trees to stop limbs spiting away, unless they drill all the way through for a stronger connection. strapping around the tree long term does damage.

[Floridahanger]

Love the show.

Well, what the show doesn't show is that they treat the post before inserting it to ward of bacteria. They have mentioned it once or twice, though.

Adding bacteria to a tree is what would do most damage. Unfortunately, most folks don't consider this when putting anything into a tree and for many years, it has done damage at parks and forests and that's what has the rangers concerned in the past.

The straps are a way to mitigate any damage concerns, real or other. Always use best practices in the woods including being a spokesperson for Hammocking.

[gmcttr]

Back them out ~1 turn every year so the tree doesn't grow over them. Remember to remove them if you sell the house so some poor tree removal guy doesn't hit one with his chainsaw years in the future.

[OCDave]

Back them out ~1 turn every year so the tree doesn't grow over them. Remember to remove them if you sell the house so some poor tree removal guy doesn't hit one with his chainsaw years in the future.

I'd have never thought of this. Experience or just a forward thinker?

[gmcttr]

I'd have never thought of this. Experience or just a forward thinker?

I've seen trees grow over lots of things, but what brought it home was a bird house I nailed to a tree years ago. After ~7 years, I found the house on the ground and was surprised to find that as the tree grew, it pushed the house off the nail and had almost engulfed it.

[Acer]

I have a tulip poplar tree that, for years, we had 4' x 4' sheets of plywood on it, and used it every year for about 10 yrs shooting and sighting our hunting weapons into it. Shot it almost in half,,and it was over 20" dia apprx. 4' up from the ground. When I built the house beginning in 2003,,quit using that tree for target practice, and now,,its almost grown over,,the hole is still about 12-14inches circular,,and tree is growing and filling it in..and now,,4' up at from the ground,,tree is about 30" dia. Self healing itself as its about 150' tall. I keep watch on this tree constantly to see how its doing and its never had a bad limb on it anywhere. Trees are pretty tolerant.

[Nighthauk]

Go right a head if it is your trees. The trees will be able to recover from the bolts installation. As an arborist we do this all the time to strengthen the tree with bad form. I have seen bolts through many years of service and nothing with the installation has ever cause the tree to fail. ie Bacteria from the bolts. Whether they are drilled all the way through or just J hooks there I have not seen problems with them.

[Beast 71]

Hunters use screw in tree climbing pegs all the time, without permanent damage to trees. I think the concern is when you have a high use camping and hiking area, it isn't leave no trace to drill holes. But, if it's your property it's your choice.