Distance between and diameter of trees

**c4mailman.pb** · 11-13-2019, 17:57

Just wandering good rules of thumb on selecting trees. Especially distance between and safe diameter of tree. I do understand the dangers of widow makers. Thanks.

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**cmoulder** · 11-13-2019, 17:59

4" min. diameter, about 15' (~5 steps) apart is my guide.

**c4mailman.pb** · 11-13-2019, 18:13

Thanks a bunch. Any particular advice on species of tree or type of bark. Slick or loose bark concerns? Don’t want to damage a tree and give a bad name to hangers. By the way I use poly spider straps from Dutch.

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**cmoulder** · 11-13-2019, 18:32

We have a lot of oak, elm, beech, birch and occasionally pine and cedar but I never use the evergreens around here (southern NY) although I have in Maine and the Cascades (WA)

Come to think of it, 4" diameter with pine can still be a little noodly... and there's also sap to worry about. Maybe birch as well with too much weight. When in doubt a bit more diameter, not a problem most of the time. For loose bark like on some pines, 2" huggers are a good idea... in fact required in some places.

**c4mailman.pb** · 11-13-2019, 18:35

Originally Posted by cmoulder

We have a lot of oak, elm, beech, birch and occasionally pine and cedar but I never use the evergreens around here (southern NY) although I have in Maine and the Cascades (WA)

Come to think of it, 4" diameter with pine can still be a little noodly... and there's also sap to worry about. Maybe birch as well with too much weight. When in doubt a bit more diameter, not a problem most of the time. For loose bark like on some pines, 2" huggers are a good idea... in fact required in some places.

Makes sense. Thanks.

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**Recalc** · 11-14-2019, 07:11

Remember asking about tree width to another hanger when I first started out. He said the minimum width should be at least the size of your ankles. Then he looked at my ankles, smiled, and said "I don't think I'd hang off of that".

**dscotthep** · 11-14-2019, 14:52

Originally Posted by Recalc

Remember asking about tree width to another hanger when I first started out. He said the minimum width should be at least the size of your ankles. Then he looked at my ankles, smiled, and said "I don't think I'd hang off of that".

That's interesting. The advice I got was "no smaller than your thigh".

**cmc4free** · 11-14-2019, 15:19

Originally Posted by dscotthep

That's interesting. The advice I got was "no smaller than your thigh".

I think, generally, the bigger the ankle, the heavier the hanger... but I have difficulty imagining any size person for whom that "ankle rule" seems like sound advice.

**Recalc** · 11-14-2019, 16:34

Originally Posted by dscotthep

That's interesting. The advice I got was "no smaller than your thigh".

I'm sure your advice is right on the money. Remember struggling with acronyms, abbreviations, hang angles, and just about every other thing "back in the days". There is so much to know. FWIW, I'm convinced the experienced hanger would not have hung from my thigh either.

**jeff-oh** · 11-14-2019, 08:41

For tree diameter I like a min. of around 6". The issue with min. tree diameter is deflection when you get in your hammock. Thin trees and bend on you throwing off your angles and ridgeline tension. Not a big deal just move to a new tree. For spacing I find 15' or under too close for my suspension. So I like 15' to 18' distance. I measure two ways, min 3 paces. or with my arms extended the tips of the treking poles still have a foot or so to the trees.

Also, I've gone out enough now I can pretty much gauge the right distance just by looking.

As with most hammock stuff. get out and find what works for you.