Tire Swing
Mar/110
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How do I suspend a tire swing between 2 trees without damaging them?
We have 2 black walnut trees with branches that run too vertical to attach any type of swing (the swing would be right against the tree), plus the branches are about 40 feet up. We were thinking about trying to do it between the 2 trees but don't want to damage them. The only plans I could find are for zip lines and entail drilling all the way through the tree. Any ideas for doing this in a tree-friendly way?
We have 2 black walnut trees with branches that run too vertical to attach any type of swing (the swing would be right against the tree), plus the branches are about 40 feet up. We were thinking about trying to do it between the 2 trees using only the trunks - not the branches - but don't want to damage them. The only plans I could find are for zip lines and entail drilling all the way through the tree. Any ideas for doing this in a tree-friendly way?
The branches are actually too high to use. We were thinking there might be a way to only use the trunks.
Research how that kind of tree does with stress loads. Even suspended from two branches, if one is weak, the tire could be flung free during use.
Be sure to put a saddle over the top of the branch to keep the chain or rope from cutting into it and weakening it. Most saddles I've seen are simply pieces of car tire cut with a reciprocating saw.
Carabiners clipped to the chains make it easy to add the swing but use ones rated for 150 lbs or better.
Plastic hose over the chains that suspend the tire will protect fingers from pinching.
Terrific Tire Swing by Leslie Garisto Pfaff
A backyard play idea from FamilyFun magazine
Terrific Tire Swing
An old tire, some rope or chain, a tall tree--could anything be simpler? The backyard tire swing has been entertaining kids pretty much since backyards were invented. Here's how to set one up right.
1. If possible, find a used beltless light truck tire or old tractor tire (try a junkyard or tire store). Avoid steel-belted tires, whose sharp cords might eventually work their way out of the rubber sheathing.
2. Drill holes in the bottom of the tire so rainwater can drain.
3. Choose a healthy hardwood tree such as oak, walnut, sugar maple, ash, or cherry. (Beech, while strong, has delicate roots that resent trampling.)
Materials
• Used beltless light truck tire or old tractor tire
• Drill, 1/4" and 1/2" bits
• Healthy hardwood tree
• 3/16-inch playground chain
• 2 12-inch drop-forged eyebolt, washers, and nuts
• 2 14-inch quick links
• Mulch or wood chips
Make sure the branch is straight, forming an L-shape, not a V, against the trunk, and strong--at least 8 inches in diameter where you attach the swing. It should be 9 to 12 feet off the ground (the higher the branch, the farther you'll swing). If you don't have a large enough tree, you can retrofit a wooden swing set for either a vertical or a horizontal tire swing. Complete tire swing kits are available from CedarWorks Playsets at (800) GO-CEDAR; www.cedarworks.com, or you can make your own with hardware from PlaysetParts.com at www.playsetparts.com.
4. The best way to suspend the tire (for both the swinger and the tree) is with a length of 3/16-inch playground chain. Drill a 12-inch hole through the center of the branch, then insert a 12-inch drop-forged eyebolt through the hole, securing it on top with a washer and two nuts. (If you use rope, choose nylon or Dacron. Polypropylene and hemp don't weather well, and polypropylene can also slip too easily through small hands.)
5. Drill a 12-inch hole through the top of the tire. Thread a nut, washer, and 3-inch fender washer on another 12-inch eyebolt, slip it through the tire, and thread on another fender washer, washer, and nut. Secure the chain to the two eyebolts with 14-inch quick links.
6. Spread a circle of mulch or wood chips around the trunk to protect tree roots and cushion falls.
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