Custom Tree Swing Installation
Both thrilling and relaxing, enjoyed by young and old alike, a giant tree swing is the perfect addition to your idyllic yard, farm, or woodlot. Piedmont Tree Climbing installs and services tree swings in Durham, Orange, and Alamance Counties in North Carolina. Since 2015, we've completed over 500 installations, and we'd love to help make your tree swing dreams come true!
The video above describes just about everything you need to
know about our custom tree swing options and services.
Beyond safety, everyone's opinion of the ideal tree swing can be different. Our opinion is that a great tree swing is one that has a long swing arc unimpeded by lower branches. The higher the better for the anchor point; no strong limb is too high for our services.
A swing with a really long arc is hard to "pump" on (read more on this below), so it is advantageous if your swing is on a slope that allows you to start your ride from an elevated area. In fact, adding a swing can actually open up an area of your yard that was previously difficult to use due to unevenness. If your terrain doesn't provide a good take-off spot, yet you want people to be able to ride independently, consider constructing a platform or adding a pull rope.
Some people want a double-rope swing like the one pictured above. For this kind of swing, it is important to find a horizontal limb on which to affix the ropes. If the limb is not horizontal, the two ropes will be different lengths and the seat will twist at either end of the swing arc.
Other people prefer, or their trees are best suited to, a single-rope swing like the image to the right. With single-rope swings, the rope can be secured on any sturdy limb, horizontal or not. One thing to keep in mind with single-rope swings is that the swinger can move 3-dimensionally - not just forward and backward. This means a single-rope swing has to be a greater distance from the trunk to minimize the chance of a trunk collision.
What kinds of swings do you install?
We install and service single- and double-rope swings as well as "Y" and "V" shaped swings that are suspended between two tall trees. Another popular swing configuration is the Swurfer swing installed on a cable between two trees.
We specialize in very tall tree swing installations (ropes 30-60 feet long) that are out of the range of most ladders. We can safely install or service swings that are on limbs up to 100 feet tall. Click here for a video playlist of some of our recent swing installations.
How do you install the swing hardware?
A video is worth a thousand words. Check out this narrated video of a 30-foot-high, single-rope tree swing installation.
In short, we climb the tree using technical tree climbing gear that won't harm your tree. For the safety and longevity of the swing, the tree, and the swing users, the best way to install swing hardware is to:
It may seem like drilling a hole (or two) through the tree limb that is going to hold the swing is a bad idea, but if the limb is healthy, a small hole will not weaken it whatsoever. In a short amount of time, the tree will seal the wound, making the system even stronger. The alternative method for hanging a tree swing - tying a rope or webbing around the limb - can actually be very harmful to the limb. As the limb grows, it is likely to be girdled by the rope or strap, eventually killing the limb and making an unsafe swing.
What kinds of swings do you install?
We install and service single- and double-rope swings as well as "Y" and "V" shaped swings that are suspended between two tall trees. Another popular swing configuration is the Swurfer swing installed on a cable between two trees.
We specialize in very tall tree swing installations (ropes 30-60 feet long) that are out of the range of most ladders. We can safely install or service swings that are on limbs up to 100 feet tall. Click here for a video playlist of some of our recent swing installations.
How do you install the swing hardware?
A video is worth a thousand words. Check out this narrated video of a 30-foot-high, single-rope tree swing installation.
- Drill a hole (or two for a double rope swing) through a sturdy (at least 8 inches in diameter) trunk or limb high in the tree .
- Insert a galvanized, forged, shoulder eye bolt through the hole. Secure the bolt with galvanized dock washers, lock washers, and nuts.
- We use 12-strand, solid-braid, polyester rope for our installations. After researching dozens of kinds of rope, we've settled on this variety based on all the qualities needed for a safe, long-lasting tree swing. The rope has a breaking strength of thousands of pounds and very low elasticity. It is not affected by rain, and it is highly UV, mildew, and mold resistant. We custom splice the rope around a galvanized thimble and then connect the rope to the eye bolt with an anchor shackle (see video above).
It may seem like drilling a hole (or two) through the tree limb that is going to hold the swing is a bad idea, but if the limb is healthy, a small hole will not weaken it whatsoever. In a short amount of time, the tree will seal the wound, making the system even stronger. The alternative method for hanging a tree swing - tying a rope or webbing around the limb - can actually be very harmful to the limb. As the limb grows, it is likely to be girdled by the rope or strap, eventually killing the limb and making an unsafe swing.
Another reason that we do not install tree swings by tying ropes around the limb is that there are too many ways that a rope in that configuration can deteriorate and fail without anyone from the ground being aware.
What about the swing seat?
There are tons of options for the fun end of your tree swing! We install traditional disc and plank seats, but there are also group seats as pictured below, hammock chairs, tire swings, egg-shaped suspended chairs, and toddler seats. You can find many great options online.
This North Carolina family hand crafts a variety of wooden seats and tire swings. Our personal favorite made by Robert and Jamie is the wooden disc seat, which we keep in stock.
What about the swing seat?
There are tons of options for the fun end of your tree swing! We install traditional disc and plank seats, but there are also group seats as pictured below, hammock chairs, tire swings, egg-shaped suspended chairs, and toddler seats. You can find many great options online.
Our most-requested seat is the Web Riderz nest swing. The Web Riderz can be hung from one rope or two, and it comes in 39" and 46" diameters. We stock both sizes.
The Swurfer is a lot of fun for adventurous kids and adults, but it can also be meditative while listening to your favorite podcast. The Swurfer can be suspended between two trees on a fixed cable, or hung from a heavy-duty horizontal limb far from the trunk. We stock Swurfer seats and accessories.
With its back rest, pillow, cup holder, and foot rest, this hammock chair is great for relaxing with a good book or watching the stars come out at the end of a long day.
Aren't tree swings dangerous?
Tree swings certainly can be dangerous - just like most everything else worth doing - but with a little instruction from us on how to perform periodic visual inspections of the tree and the swing system, and with a healthy dose of common sense by all users, a tree swing can very safely provide years of outdoor enjoyment and life-long memories.
Got a tiny swing rider? The kiwi seat is padded and has a secure, adjustable harness. Intended for babies 6 months and up, the kiwi has a 50-pound weight limit.
Can't choose just one seat? Do you want one seat for the energetic kids and another for the adults who want to read in the cool breeze? No problem! We can splice a coupling into the rope near ground level so that every family member can clip in their favorite seat and enjoy the swing however they want to.
How long will a good quality tree swing last?
A well-installed tree swing requires very little maintenance. The high-quality ropes and hardware we use can easily last for 10 years or more. Usually, the swing seat itself needs to be replaced first. This may be at around 5 years, depending on the seat, location, and how it is used.
How can I know if my tree is a good candidate for a tree swing?
We provide free on-site consultations within our service area. Aren't tree swings dangerous?
Tree swings certainly can be dangerous - just like most everything else worth doing - but with a little instruction from us on how to perform periodic visual inspections of the tree and the swing system, and with a healthy dose of common sense by all users, a tree swing can very safely provide years of outdoor enjoyment and life-long memories.
We don't consider an installation complete until we test it ourselves and give you pointers on mounting, riding, and dismounting. We encourage installing a cushioning surface in the swing zone and supervising children when they are using the swing. If you are interested, we can install a locking mechanism so that the swing can't be used by unauthorized people.
Due to the unpredictability of tree structures and human judgment, homeowners must sign a liability waiver before we begin installation.
How much does a custom-installed tree swing cost?
Hardware appropriate for a safe, maintenance-free tree swing isn't cheap and can't be purchased at the local home improvement store. Rigging hardware, ropes, and a good quality swing seat usually add up to $250-300. Our charge for labor, expertise, splicing, climbing gear, etc. is $250-275 for most swings. As a Certified Arborist, we can safely remove interfering limbs and trees as well as prune dead wood above the swing arc that might fall on swingers. There is an extra charge for these services, if required.
It's very gratifying when we get requests from all over North America to install tree swings. Unfortunately, we generally have to say no to people who are outside of Durham, Orange, or Alamance Counties of North Carolina.
If you are outside of our service area, you can look up certified arborists by ZIP code at www.treesaregood.org. You may need to make a few calls before you find someone who shares your vision for an awesome tree swing.
Do you sell swing kits or hardware?
We do not, but this parts lists with links for the materials we use may be helpful: https://www.piedmonttreeclimbing.org/p/supply-list.html
Do you provide a warranty on installed tree swings?
Yes, our installations include a one-year warranty on all purchased parts and hardware. The swing seat is covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Since trees are living organisms subject to disease and accident, the one-year warranty does not apply to tree damage. Outside of the warranty window, we can perform check-ups on the safety of your tree and tree swing system. The fee depends upon whether climbing is required and whether any modifications or replacement parts are needed.
Why is it hard to pump on a really tall tree swing?
When you pump on a playground swing, you are building up potential energy at one end of the swing arc and transferring it to kinetic energy (or speed) at the other end as you stretch out your legs and pull down on the ropes. Swings are a type of pendulum controlled by natural laws of physics. When you pump, your body movements are altering the effective length of the pendulum, which enables you to pump yourself higher and higher.
The shorter the swing ropes, the greater the effect your motions will have on the effective length of the pendulum. The opposite is also true: the longer the rope, the smaller the effect your pumping actions will have on the effective length of the pendulum. With a rope swing anchored 30 or more feet above ground, pumping will have very little effect and other factors like friction and wind resistance will be the predominant forces. As with all things in life, there is balance, and in my opinion the pros of a properly installed epically tall tree swing far outweigh the inability to pump.
Since trees are living organisms subject to disease and accident, the one-year warranty does not apply to tree damage. Outside of the warranty window, we can perform check-ups on the safety of your tree and tree swing system. The fee depends upon whether climbing is required and whether any modifications or replacement parts are needed.
Why is it hard to pump on a really tall tree swing?
When you pump on a playground swing, you are building up potential energy at one end of the swing arc and transferring it to kinetic energy (or speed) at the other end as you stretch out your legs and pull down on the ropes. Swings are a type of pendulum controlled by natural laws of physics. When you pump, your body movements are altering the effective length of the pendulum, which enables you to pump yourself higher and higher.
The shorter the swing ropes, the greater the effect your motions will have on the effective length of the pendulum. The opposite is also true: the longer the rope, the smaller the effect your pumping actions will have on the effective length of the pendulum. With a rope swing anchored 30 or more feet above ground, pumping will have very little effect and other factors like friction and wind resistance will be the predominant forces. As with all things in life, there is balance, and in my opinion the pros of a properly installed epically tall tree swing far outweigh the inability to pump.
One exception to the pumping issues listed above is that the Swurfer stand-up swing can be pumped into an oval swing path even when it is anchored 30 feet high.
I'm interested in your services. What do I do next?
I'm interested in your services. What do I do next?
If you'd like a free on-site consultation regarding a new custom tree swing installation on your property, or if your existing Piedmont Tree Climbing swing needs maintenance/repairs, please contact us at [email protected].
Tree swing requests have skyrocketed in recent years. We are so happy to be instrumental in helping so many people get the swing they need. Because installations are a side job for us, though, it is a challenge to keep up with demand. In an effort to serve folks in a timely manner, our service area is currently limited to Durham, Orange, and Alamance Counties in North Carolina.
If you're interested in getting a tree swing, we will add your name to our waitlist. While we can not predict how quickly we'll work through the waitlist, we do promise to spend as much time as needed with each customer to ensure they get a safe swing with which they will be happy for many years to come.
There are presently about 30 people on the waitlist. We can install 4-5 swings per month, fewer in summer and more in winter. Thank you for your understanding!
Scroll through the pictures below for lots of tree swing inspiration! To watch the video clips go to this shared album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/QRpTykrj5T5g4pJXA
