Contact a local certified arborist.

I am looking for an experienced tree climber to hang a rope swing.

Over 20 years ago, we had a large heavy rope with a knot at the end hung from a tree (over 100 ft?). It made for a true Tarzan experience for for adults and kids for many years.

Unfortunately, the rope gave out last year. We'd like to hang a new one so we are looking for someone with the skill of climbing tall trees.

The location is over Skyline Blvd (above Saratoga and Palo Alto, CA).

If you know someone or are interested, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Marian at 650-776-6543.

Welcome to the message board. Call a local tree service. Make sure they do not use leg spikes to climb the tree. Using a large 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch diameter lag hook to hang the rope would be better than wrapping a rope around the branch. Keep us posted on your progress.

When we climb, we use false crotches and rope savers (or SRT) to both protect the tree and preserve the rope. What is the best way to protect the tree and preserve the rope for a rope swing?

Try using a huge 2" rope. tie a running bowline around the branch. The large size will help prevent chafing of the limb and the noose will expand as the limb grows in dia.
tie the bowline with a big loop so that you have two lengths of rope going over the limb. This will also help to prevent rubbing by dispersing the weight over a greater area.
Is the tree a Bay? Calif. Bay Laurel?
Check the ISA web site for a Certified Arborist to actually set the rope www.treesaregood.com
I bought just such a rope at a surplus store...
Frans

Frans--I like that your suggestion "grows" with the branch. Tom Dunlap's suggestion at TreeBuzz "grows" similarly: Hang a rope swing in the Bay Area? . However, Treeman's, "Using a large 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch diameter lag hook to hang the rope would be better than wrapping a rope around the branch." makes me question the desirability of a "wrapping" solution.

With respect to the long term health of the tree, can someone please compare the lag hook versus construction sling solutions?