Semi permanent tree anchors

[Marsupilaami]

We are putting up a swing for a kindergarten. My preliminary idea is to dress the branch in a layer or two of foam sleeping pad, then something stiffer, like knobbly black building plastic. Then tie the swing anchor around that, tight so nothing moves.

The branch will be able to grow an inch or so in diameter before the foam is compressed.

Are there better ways?

 

[JD3000]

Need pics...

 

[Burrapeg]

Might be better to use some sort of pad that breathes. The foam could trap moisture and encourage rot?

 

[Marsupilaami]

Thanks burr. What sort of foam, any idea? I'll poke holes at least.

 

[Marsupilaami]

Ok JD, I'm home, here is the pad stuff. Tomato for scale, and Acacia in the background.

 

[Burrapeg]

Yeah, maybe a regular pattern of holes about 1/2 inch. I made a couple of swings with chain inside two layers of the old style cloth covered fire hose. 1-1/2 inch and 3 inch fire hose, one inside the other.

 

[Marsupilaami]

Yeah, maybe a regular pattern of holes about 1/2 inch. I made a couple of swings with chain inside two layers of the old style cloth covered fire hose. 1-1/2 inch and 3 inch fire hose, one inside the other.

So Burr, did you manage to configure that to both prevent gnawing, and allow the branch to grow?

 

[Marsupilaami]

Hey, what do you think about putting the bike tyre inside the pads? Airspace due to the tyre knobs, and decent traction...?

 

[Burrapeg]

So Burr, did you manage to configure that to both prevent gnawing, and allow the branch to grow?

Well, I did not make a tight wrap so it was not pinching at all over time. And the limbs were large enough that it seemed to pivot only beneath at the ends of the chain where the rope was shackled in. I could never see the fire hose and chain move so I don't think it was chewing on the limbs at all. Swing is still there too, years later, and the tree seems fine. All this might depend on the partcular tree, how thick or strong the bark is, climate and location, etc. YMMV.

 

[ATH]

I prefer using lag bolts for swings rather than anyting wrapping around the limb...

 

[JD3000]

My thoughts too.