The Best Way to Install a Tree Swing

One of our favorite features of our backyard is a huge oak tree that has to be at least 100 years old.

It provides fantastic shade in the morning and is a unique find in a neighborhood where so many mature trees were taken down when the neighborhood was developed.

This week, our tree got a little update.

A tree swing.

We took the little yellow plastic disc swing from our old wooden swing set that was falling apart and installed it on our beloved tree.

We didn’t want to hurt or harm our tree so we did some research and found the best way to install a tree swing.

It’s pretty simple.

To hang the swing you must drill a hole through a thick branch and install an eye bolt.  Simply tying a rope to the tree could cause damage and stress, whereas installing a bolt ensures the long-term health of the tree.

Directions:

• Drill a hole through a tree branch at least 8-10 inches thick and thread an eye bolt through it.  
• Secure the eye bolt with a lock washer and a nut (my husband used 2 nuts, but it’s probably overkill).
• Use a carabiner that can hold at least 250 pounds or more.
• Make a loop at the end of a braided nylon rope and tie a bowline knot (see a YouTube tutorial here)
• Thread the loop through the carabiner.
• Thread the other end of the rope through the center of the disc swing and tie another bowline knot underneath.  

We left about 6 feet of rope underneath and made a loop so the swing can be pulled by someone to get the rider going in big circles.

The kids think this swing is the best!  And, we feel great knowing we didn’t damage our tree and it will remain healthy for years to come.

Thanks so much for reading today!