How to Hang Swing Between Two Trees?

Nothing compares to swinging between two trees at home. This is an experience you can give to your children that will make their whole childhood better.

Not only it adds tons of fun for kids, but you may also hang a sturdier swing that holds any person easily. It all comes down to what meets your needs better.

Whatever you choose, it will undoubtedly make your yard much sweeter and beautiful. As long as you have two healthy trees to hang it from – this is totally possible.

Here we’ll explain how to hang a swing between two trees in three different ways for various results.

Just a few steps to follow and you’ll have a fantastic swing on your backyard. Come further and learn more!

General Steps for Hanging a Swing

Before going into the specifics in different methods, it’s necessary for you to go over some general steps first. Here’s what you should do:

Step 1: Find the Right Place

This is the first stage you need to pass through before hanging a swing. Find the perfect area between two trees where you can hang one easily.

We recommend finding wide and tall trees. But the most crucial factor is that both trees are several feet apart from each other. This will help you hang the swing more easily without problems.

As a general rule, you should look for a space that’s at least twice as wide as the swing seat width.

Step 2: Choose the Ideal Rope

Once you have the place all figured out, it is time to pick the perfect rope. And for that, nothing compares to having the strongest choice possible out there. But you’ll have to know what types you’ll find.

Among the many options, you’ll have polyester ropes. These are often very reliable and resistant to all kinds of weather conditions.

Nylon ropes are also solid and reliable. However, these tend to stretch easily, which could be a setback over time.

Then are also polypropylene ropes, light, affordable, and don’t stretch much. But they don’t hold much weight, so they can break easily.

Finally, you can go to metal chains that are very long-lasting and resist all kinds of conditions easily. These are ideal for their strength, but they need a unique installation.

Step 3: Look for Sturdy Trees 

After having the ideal rope, you need a sturdy place to anchor it.

Here, nothing’s better than a hardwood tree. Among the many trees out there, you can find oaks, hickory, pine, walnut, maple, and many others.

But this also means staying away from fruit trees and thin trunks. This will keep the swing working in the safest way possible.

Step 4: Only Attach to Strong Branches

Following the choice of a dependable tree, you should go find the strongest branches possible in such a tree.

We recommend angled branches so you can anchor the rope more easily on it. But the ideal one should be at least 8-inches thick and not taller than 15 feet.

The two branches you pick should be both healthy and young.

Never attach the ropes or work out a swing on an unhealthy or old branch. It could eventually split, break, crack, or sometimes just infest the swing with termites and other bugs.

Step 5: Cut Branches in the Way

Now that you have the two branches from each tree ready, you should remove any other that’s in the way of these two.

This way, you can achieve a freer swing when using it. Otherwise, you may experience ropes getting stuck or sometimes even breaking because of tree interruptions.

Apart from that, there should be no other thing around both branches. This way, you can let the swing freely without bouncing or touching any possible damaging part from the trees.

Method selection

After doing that, you’ll be ready to choose the method of your preference and finish the swing to start enjoying it.

Rope Method

This is the traditional way of hanging a swing from two trees. You will be using a rope, but you can also do it with a metal chain. However, for the best result, do it without something soft to prevent damaging the trees you’re hanging the swing from.

Here’s how you should proceed:

You should know a useful knot to make with ropes. Use such knot on the branches or trunks of the trees.

You can always use knots like a bowline that offers the chance to loosen up when you’re not using the swing.

It is essential that the rope doesn’t cut into the wood. This way, you can always retrieve the rope back if it tears or breaks.

To prevent the branches or trunks from getting damaged, you can place rubber tubing around the rope.

Tie the other ends of the two ropes to the swing, and that’s it.

This is both a temporary and a permanent choice. The difference is the strength and type of knot you use when tying the ropes to the branches.

A secure and more reliable knot means a permanent swing. Otherwise, you can always use a fragile knot for a temporary set-up.

Eye-Bolt Method

The eye-bolt method is the best option when it comes to using metal chains. It demands the user to have a drill, eyebolts, washers, nuts, carabiners, and extra rope for securing the swing.

Here’s how to do it:

Drill vertical holes in both branches you’re using. Make sure the holes are the same diameter as the eyebolts you’re using.

If you can use corrosion-resistant bolts, that would be better. Once you have the holes, then you can insert them in.

Use washers and nuts to secure the bolts inside the holes in the branches. You can use additional glue or covers to protect the connection. It is essential that it never falls.

Then attach or pin carabiners on each connection in the branches. Finish by piecing the metal chain in the carabiners. You may also use a rope.

This method eliminates any kind of friction with wood, which makes the whole swing more durable than other options.

Using metal chains will also increase the overall longevity, so you can expect this type of swing to last until the tree branches fall.

Metal Beam Method

Instead of attaching a metal chain or rope, you can use heavy-duty steel to create a beam between the two trees. This would make a stronger, more reliable, and long-lasting alternative without leaving behind freedom of movement on the swing.

Here’s what you should focus on:

Start by measuring the whole circumference of both tree’s trunks. You will have to find two pieces of rubber that are twice as large as the circumference of each log.

Then go and attach cable clamps on any part of the trunks or branches of the trees. Make sure the clamps are in the ideal position so you can pass the cable through securely.

Now you can look for steel cables and cover them with the rubber. Then pass the covered wires through the cable clamps.

With the ends of the rubber that’s still missing, you will round the tree trunk to secure it. Then pass the rubber through the clamp once again.

When the rubber is covering the trunk entirely, and you can’t stretch it anymore, it’s time to secure it. Tighten the cable clamps as much as possible with a wrench. This will make the most reliable anchor points for the swing.

Now with the two free ends of the cables pointing each other, you will taut them up. Make sure they are at least 6 feet up, so the swing has enough space down to move.

Here, you’ll use a beam or sturdy metal tube to piece the cables together. You should them clamp the beam down on the branches or trunk of the trees. Use bolts for that.

Level up the beam to make sure it is wholly flat. Hang from it with your hands to test its strength. You can always clamp the cables and the beam better to the trees for better results. If it is strong enough and flat, then you’re done.

Finish up by hanging the swing using the cables, rope, or metal chains from the beam, and that’s it.

Hang Your Swing Between Two Trees Now!

Most people will find all these processes difficult and time-consuming. But in reality, you can always do any of these in just a matter of hours.

Just make sure to have all the items and materials we mentioned on the guide, and that’s it. Pick the ideal method for your needs, and you’ll make the best swing for your children to enjoy.

Start building the best swing now, and you won’t regret it!