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Home » How to Hang a Tree Swing

How to Hang a Tree Swing

How to hang a tree swing? How much rope do I need? Whats the best method to hang a swing? Find out below:

How to hang a tree swing is one of the most commonly asked questions we get. The following information is for reference only. We do not recommend any one method over another when  hanging a tree swing. The information you find here has all come from open source material. It is to assist anyone who has recently brought/considering buying a tree swing for their garden. All information is aimed at the domestic user rather than those considering hanging a tree swing in a public place. We hope the following information is useful. Please remember all responsibility for hanging one of our tree swings lays with the person installing it.

Where is best to hang a tree swing?

There is a good chance that you already have an idea of where you would like to hang a tree swing! Most gardens have a small number of trees in them which would be of suitable size to hang a tree swing from, however finding a suitable branch to hang the swing from may be difficult. When searching for a suitable branch please check first that the whole tree is in good condition. Choose a suitably large limb/branch and closely check that too. Make sure to pay close attention to where the limb joins the trunk of the tree.

Ideally the branch needs to be as horizontal as possible. A slight angle on the branch shouldn’t make a huge difference.  A level branch will ensure both ropes are the same length, allowing the tree swing to swing evenly. If one rope is significantly longer than the other, it will cause the tree swing to skew. It is recommended to hang the tree swing as close to the trunk of the tree as safely possible. This reduces the load on the branch itself. Hang the swing with the ropes splayed out at the top slightly, this will stop the swing from twisting.  When testing your swing please remember there will be different forces and strains (dynamic loading) on the branch when the swing goes through its full motion.

How much rope do I need to hang my tree swing?

The amount of rope you will need to hang a tree swing can vary dependant on the method used for hanging the swing. A ‘swing hitch’ knot will require the most as the rope will need to be wrapped around the branch about three times to tie the swing in place. You will then need to add on the drop from the branch to the seat. Rope clamps require the rope to be wrapped around the branch a minimum of two turns before clamping the tail to the standing part of the rope.

Methods of Hanging a Tree Swing:

The Swing Hitch

The swing hitch is a common method for tying the ropes of your tree swing to the branch of a tree. The benefits of the swing hitch are that as load is applied to the tree swing it traps and tightens the standing part of the rope. However when the load is released the hitch is easily loosened to be untied if required (for adjustment etc).

How to hang a tree swing step 1 How to hang a tree swing step 2 How to hang a tree swing step 3 How to hang a tree swing step 4 How to hang a tree swing step 5 How to hang a tree swing step 6 How to hang a tree swing step 7 How to hang a tree swing step 8 How to hang a tree swing step 9

Rope Clamps

Rope clamps work by squeezing the long part of the rope (from branch to seat) to the ‘tail’ tightly together. The rope should wrap entirely around the branch a minimum of two times, a further turn will provide additional grip. Any extra rope is better wrapped around the branch, than cut off and thrown away.
At least two rope clamps (one pair) should be fitted to each rope for security and safety. The first clamp should be fitted close to the branch in order to trap the rope around it. The rope wrapped around the branch should not move when the tree swing is swinging.  Any movement will damage both the tree and the rope.

Rope clamps side view

Actually hanging the Tree Swing

When you hang your tree swing its always easier if there is someone to assist you. The ‘assistant’ can hold the seat of the tree swing level and at the correct height. Whilst you secure the hanging ropes at the branch (or vice versa).

New ropes such as synthetic hemp have an “initial” amount of stretch in them on their first use. This is effectively all the “slack” being taken out of the rope. If you tie off your tree swing at the correct height initially, as soon as its sat on, it will drop lower. It is better to tie off the rope temporarily and get your assistant to sit on the tree swing to stretch out the rope. Once stretched, re attach at the correct height.

Remember: Your tree is alive and growing. You should untie and re-tie the ropes of your tree swing at least every six months to allow the branch to grow.
For further information Email us, give us a call 01449 741744 or see our FAQ’s page!

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What our Customers Say

Baby Tree Swing

We have been very impressed with the excellent quality of the seat and all of the fittings/attachments. It is clearly built with a great deal of skill and pride. Will no doubt be in touch at some stage in the future to upgrade to a normal seat swing. Delighted with our purchase.

Brian Hamblin

Horizon Swing Seat

We purchased our 'Horizon' swing seat from MR Woodcraft Ltd last year. The seat was beautifully made and produced to a very high standard by Matt. As each seat is individually crafted there is understandably a waiting period for the seat to be made, we were kept fully informed of delivery timescales and when then seat was ready it was delivered and fitted. The quality and service of MR Woodcraft was second to none, and I would have no hesitation in recommending you purchase from this family business.

Jonathan & Ruth Farnhill

Single Garden Swing Frame

Hi Matt, Just a quick email to let you know how pleased we are with the swing.  Needless to say our kids were absolutely thrilled! A beautifully made, quality product.  Very nice indeed – so thank you.

John Douglas

Double Garden Swing Frame

Thank you Matt. The children absolutely love the swings, they have been using them everyday and having great fun! I love anything that encourages them to get out in the garden so I'm happy! Everyone is so impressed with them, they really complete the garden.

Lucy Fawell

Woodland Tree Swing

Hello Matt, We are very happy with the swing! A wonderful product of high quality which I could not find here in Germany.

Benno from Cologne, Germany

Woodland Tree Swing

Hi Matt, We absolutely love the swing, it looks beautiful in the orchard!

Amanda

Woodland Tree Swing

We bought the swing after seeing one in a friend's garden and I loved it. I decided on the engraving being 'MAKE A WISH'!  The reason being that everyone, no matter who they are, would love to be granted one! Thank you.

Carole

Woodland Tree Swing

Hi Matt, The swing has arrived and looks great! Thanks so much for your speedy help and turnaround. Really excellent customer service.

Sally

Horizon Swing Seat

We couldn't be more pleased with our swing seat, the quality and craftsmanship are absolutely first class.

Sue Ripley

Aero Garden Swing Seat

A beautiful quality swing seat. Great customer service from order to installation. Many thanks

Emma Proud

Double Garden Swing Frame

We bought a double garden swing in oak from MR Woodcraft in March 2016 and have been delighted with the whole experience.  Our initial enquiry was dealt with in a prompt and professional manner, the proofs of the swing design were emailed to us for approval and installation was carried out at the agreed time and to a very high standard. We have gained a great deal of pleasure from our MR Woodcraft swing and have no hesitation in recommending this company!

John and Tony, Brittany, France

Horizon Swing Seat

We purchased a swing seat just under a year ago and decided to leave the wood natural without any oil seal.  It has matured to a lovely silver grey oak colour and looks very good.  We are absolutely delighted with the product – it is robust and comfortable to sit on.  The whole process of specifying, ordering and payment to MR Woodcraft was simple and efficient.  The product was delivered when it was promised and Matt came down to our house to assemble it.  It only took a couple of hours to assemble and was done very efficiently.

Richard Miles

Double Garden Swing Frame

<span class="s1">Loving the new beautifully crafted double swing from MR Woodcraft! Thank you so much, would absolutely recommend you to everyone!</span>

Michelle Lansbury

Woodland Tree Swing

Hi Matt Just to let you know the swing arrived today and I am absolutely delighted with it, it is absolutely beautiful quality. It has been hung by my sons scrambling up the designated tree and looks absolutely perfect. Thank you for your prompt and easy service and good quality product. Many thanks

Julie – Guernsey

Woodland Tree Swing

Hi Matt, We are in love with our swing, it is a work of art! Thanks

Louise – Dundas Castle

Woodland Tree Swing

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I'm so glad I stumbled across MR Woodcraft, the website was clear and offered a great selection. I wasn't sure which swing to go for so I gave them a call and they were so helpful, I made a decision there and then (just had to do a bit of measuring first!)! The swing arrived within a couple of days and looked perfect. It was a big hit! </span></p>

Will Croft

Woodland Tree Swing

I loved the look of your tree swings but wanted some bespoke tweaks. You were really helpful in talking me through all the options (thanks for taking my call on a Saturday). I placed the order online on Sunday and I took delivery of my tree swing on the Wednesday: that's outstanding service. It's beautifully made, is perfect for the tree and location and a joy to use. I'd recommend you and your company unreservedly.

J Hacking

Classic Tree Swing

Bought a swing from Matt for our children this Christmas. I had the challenge of an uneven bough to fasten it to, and Matt was incredibly helpful before I even bought it, in terms of drawing alternatives and discussing how best to fix it. The swing itself is also great - beautifully made. We had ours engraved for the children, and the attention to detail is great. I'd not hesitate to recommend Matt and his swings!

Guy Champniss

Classic Tree Swing

Excellent service from start to finish. After placing my order I received an email from Matt with a preview of the lettering on our swing, he let me know when it was ready and what day I would receive it, we had an email on the day with the est time, his customer service was brilliant. Our swing is lovely, we ordered the adult size which the whole family can enjoy. Thank you Matt

Janet Brooker

Dozen/Half dozen Oak Egg Rack – Personalised egg rack

I saw Matts egg rack on Instagram and really liked the look of it, bought it for my wife for Christmas and had Matt engrave it with our children's names, Matt was very helpful on the phone when I said what I wanted and he delivered it to my house as I live local. My wife was very pleased with her present I would recommend anyone buy from MR Woodcraft from the service I received, very pleased!

Daniel Thorpe

Small Oak Chopping Board – Personalised Fruit Board

Thank you so much MR Woodcraft I am really happy with  my G&T chopping board! Really great customer service too!

Jenny Harris

READ MORE Customer Reviews

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Unit 2, Bush Farm
Ipswich Road, Nedging
Suffolk IP7 7BL
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