Tree swings are a great source of entertainment for children and a serene place to escape reality for adults. But be warned: tree swings can be dangerous if you do not pay close attention.
It is important to pay close attention for the best tree species, height, age, and location when you hang your tree swing to make sure you are adding a safe tree swing to your yard.
Here are some guidelines to consider when choosing the best trees to hang a swing from:
- Well-developed, vigorous, and adult hardwood species
- A branch that is at least 10-15 feet above the ground
- 12 feet of clear space in front of the swing and 12 feet behind the swing
- A soft landing surface for the person that falls off the swing
In this article, we’ll explain why we recommended these tree swing options and demonstrate how to safely install a tree swing in your own yard that your family will love!
What Are the Best Trees for Swings?
To determine an appropriate tree for a tree swing, you should take into account four main categories:
- tree type
- height
- age
- location
1. Type of Tree
A healthy hardwood tree that’s stout enough to support the weight of the heaviest person on it is the ideal type of tree for any tree swing.
When it comes to tree species, here are the best types for tree swings:
- Oak trees
- Maple trees
- Sycamore trees
- Hornbeam trees
- Ash trees (as long as the tree is large and healthy)
- Cherry trees (as long as the tree is large and healthy)
- Cedar trees (as long as the tree is large and healthy)
- Beech trees
All of these tree species can develop into tall, robust candidates for tree swings and withstand the fraying of a rope around its branches.
In addition – Select a tree that has ample branches, one that has a branch long enough to hang it at least six feet from the trunk.
The tree should also not have large bulges, large roots that stick out, or otherwise coincide with bumpy features.
Poor tree swing trees include:
- Pine trees
- Poplar trees
- Spruce trees
- Willow trees
- Silver birch trees
2. Height
Some of the trees we’ve discussed may reach up to 50 feet tall, but you’re probably not going to hang your tree swing from that height!
For safety and to maximize the amount of curve in the swing when pushed, you want to hang your swing from a branch that is somewhere around 10-15 feet off the ground.
If the branch is any lower than 10 feet, it will inhibit the success of swinging back-and-forth, which is no fun for the person trying to swing!
On the other hand, if the branch is higher than 15 feet, it may create a curve that is too high, and if someone were to fall from the swing that would create a dangerous situation.
In addition to height, you also want to make sure the branch is accessible, whether that is climbing the tree or using a ladder.
This way, you will be able to check it regularly to ensure that the swing is secure, the branch is still strong, and that the tree is not sustaining any permanent or excessive damage.
3. Age
The tree should be sufficiently old to have created thick, healthy branches and a robust root system.
In general, greater than 10 years old is a safe bet; that should be sufficient time for a strong root system to develop.
This should offer you some assurance that it will not pull out of the ground with the weight of the individual swinging.
You also don’t want to pick the oldest tree and you want to know that the tree is still healthy, as older trees are generally more susceptible to rot and other issues that may impact the strength of a branch.
Additionally – older trees may take longer to heal from any minor injury resulting from loading from the swing.
4. Location
The most suitable tree to hang a swing from should provide at least 12 feet of clear space both in front of and behind the branch you’ve chosen.
The tree should also be clear of any obstacles, including the following:
- boulders
- walls
- pools
- roads
- furniture
- and other trees or bushes
At last, find a tree that has a proper safe landing zone (or falling zone). You don’t want to select trees that are up on a steep hill since that means the fall is even farther.
You also want to avoid trees that are surrounded in rocks or gravel and select a landing zone that is more favorable like wood chips, grass, or mulch.
How Thick Should a Tree Branch Be for a Swing?
The thickness of the branches on your selected tree will depend on the type; however, no matter the type, the branch needs to be a minimum of eight inches in thickness.
For your branch thickness measurement, always measure thickness where you plan to hang the swing not necessarily the closest location next to the trunk of the tree.
In general, you should plan to hang the swing no closer than six feet from the base of the trunk.
How to Tell If a Tree Branch Is Strong Enough For a Swing
Along with the diameter of the tree limb, you’ll want to take the following signs into consideration that indicate a tree limb is strong enough to swing from:
- The limb does not have cracks, swelling or bulging
- The limb does not sound to be hollow when tapped on with a hammer
- The limb is not the only limb on the tree that looks strong
- The limb is not cracking at the joint to the trunk
Checking a limb for its condition requires inspection from above and below either when you climb it or before putting up the tree swing.
How to Hang a Swing on a Tree
When it comes to hanging a swing from a tree, it’s easy to accomplish with either a rope or chain and wood seat material that doesn’t rot in the elements. For example you would use cedar or redwood and you wouldn’t have to worry about the seat rotting.
You should use synthetic rope. Something strong and durable like braided nylon or polyester type of rope and make sure it is at least three quarter inch in diameter.
You will need to cut the length of the rope or chain to fit your desired height, hanging the swing at least two feet from the ground.
Just remember that when that swing with someone on it it will cause the branch to flex and shorten the clearance between the seat and the ground.
You can either simply rope the swing onto the branch of the tree, or either drill a hole through the tree branch and then use eye bolts to attach the swing to the tree.
Always a Good Idea-If and when you are roping the swing on the tree, if possible put rubber to protect the rope from the branch and in turn protect the tree from the rope.
You can purchase a swing for a tree, or make your own!
Final Thoughts
If you have the knowledge of finding the right tree to hang a tree swing from, this can be a great source of fun and good old-fashioned wholesome fun for your yard.
The process to ensure your tree swing will be safe for many years to come are relatively simple with factors of avoiding obstacles, finding a sturdy branch, noting the health/age/species of your tree, and understanding signs of an unsafe tree.