If you have a tree in your yard, hanging a swing on it will cheer your little ones at home!
Not only will it keep the kids entertained, but it will also keep them connected with nature.
Installing a tree swing is a relatively simple process. If your tree branches are not straight, follow our guide to learn how to hang a tree swing on an angled branch.
The most crucial concern while hanging a swing is whether the tree can hold the weight and will the swing be safe for kids.
You can either make your makeshift swing or buy one from the store. We recommend purchasing a swing as it is more convenient and much safer.
With simple instructions, hanging a tree swing isn’t a difficult chore, but it gets tricky if the branches are inclined at an angle.
Our experts have put together the most helpful guide to safely teach you how to hang a tree on an angled branch!
How to Hang a Tree Swing on an Angled Branch? | Choosing the Right Type of Swings!
Before we get into the details of how to hang a tree swing from an angled branch, let us first talk about the most critical component; the swing.
Choosing the right swing type is crucial if you want it to hold and keep your kids safe.
A swing with a closed seat is recommended if you are hanging it for toddlers. It will ensure the toddler’s safety, and they will not fall off.
Some people like to DIY the swings and make them on their own. However, if you are not very handy with tools, then you should consider avoiding DIY.
Buy a sturdy swing set and hang it. It is much faster, safer, convenient, and sturdy.
You can hang swings quite effortlessly with the tree branches. But for angled tree branches, you need adjustable ropes to level the swing according to the angle of the tree branch.
We recommend buying a swing with adjustable ropes and straps. A wrongfully hung tree swing can lead to many injuries, so you must learn how to hang a tree swing on an angled branch.
Safety Precautions to Take Before Hanging Tree Swing
We have enlisted some essential points to ensure your swing does not result in unwanted injuries or hazards.
- Choose a sturdy branch that is long and strong enough to hold the weight.
- Use the correct tools to hang the tree swing.
- Double-check to make sure all the bolts and screws are tight.
- Hang the swing a safe distance away from the tree so it will not bump into the tree.
- Cover the rope or chains with a protective coating.
- Use chains or ropes of high potential to prevent them from snapping or breaking due to weight.
- The rope should have a safe length, not too high or low.
- Ropes are subject to wear and tear over time, so it is best to replace them after two years or whenever you notice signs of damage.
- Use UV-protected marine-grade ropes so they don’t get damaged due to sun exposure.
- You can also use polypropylene synthetic rope in braided form with a higher potential to hold weight.
If you want to ensure maximum safety, you must take care of all the above-mentioned points.
How to Hang a Tree Swing on an Angled Branch?
After covering the basic precautions, let us now dive into the detailed instructions on hanging a tree swing on an angled branch.
1. Choosing the Right Branch
The first and foremost step in hanging a tree swing is selecting the right tree branch that can hold the swing.
A thin tree branch or a very small one might not be the best idea.
- First, choose a robust and sturdy branch, then examine it for any signs of disease.
- Make sure the branch is completely healthy.
- The tree branch must have a diameter of 8 inches on each side of the swing ropes.
- Avoid hanging a swing on a dead tree branch, as this branch is more likely to snap.
- Once you have chosen an appropriate tree branch, test it by hanging on it—it is a preamble test to ensure that the tree branch can hold enough weight without breaking.
After you have done choosing the right branch, choose the right type of rope.
Related article: How to Hang a Rope Swing from a Tall Tree? 5 Detailed Steps
2. Choosing the Right Type of Rope
You cannot just take out the rope sitting in your shed and use it to hang a tree swing.
Choosing the correct type of rope is crucial as safety depends on it.
- The rope should be strong enough to hold and sustain the weight and to last long enough without snapping due to weight.
- Using a polymer or polyester rope of high quality is recommended.
- Braided ropes are sturdy and have higher weight ratings.
- Use a UV-protected rope or spray a coating over the ropes to protect them from the weather and keep their hands safe.
- The most prevalent choice for tree swing ropes is a manila rope with a diameter of at least ¾ inches.
- This rope is the best alternative to the colorful nylon ropes and will help you achieve that classic rope looks without compromising on the quality, and they can hold a weight of 695 pounds quite easily.
- Polyester ropes are suggested if you are looking for higher tensile strength as their breaking pound exceeds 1400 pounds.
Choosing the correct type of rope is essential to have authentic swinging fun!
3. Hanging the Tree Swing | The Steps!
Now that we have discussed the right tree branch and rope type, it is time to hang the swing.
In this detailed guide, we will share step-by-step instructions on how to hang a tree swing on an angled branch.
Now follow these instructions to learn how to hang a tree swing from an angled branch like a pro!
1. First, locate the exact points where you want to hang the swing. It would be best if you hung the swing from a safe distance away from the tree trunk. If it is too close to the trunk, it will keep bumping and can cause injuries.
2. Mark two points on the branch where the ropes will hang. Take a sharpie pen and mark two points on the branch where you will drill the holes. These points should be at least 4 inches wider than the width of your swing’s base.
3. Use a level to measure the angle of inclination of the branch. Do so by using a tripod ladder. Hold your level against the lower hole and angle until it is equally balanced. Now measure the distance between the upper branch and the level’s top surface. Note down this calculation on a piece of paper. This value will help you calculate the offset of the angled branch.
4. Take a PVC pipe of 1-inch diameter and cut a long section out of it. Ensure that the pipe is at least one inch longer than the diameter of your tree branch added to the offset. A 13-inch pipe should have a diameter of eight inches and an offset of four inches.
5. Use a three or eight-inch bit of drill machine attachment to drill a ½ inch hole down at the top of the pipe. Use a long nut and bolt set to tighten those measurements. Ensure the nut and bolt are long and sturdy enough to fit and hold.
6. Now take a 1-inch bit to drill the higher portion of the tree branch. Push the pipe through the top of the hole. The holes in the pipe should be facing an upward direction rather than downwards. Now fasten the pipe with the branch using a long nut and bolt set. The offset should be dipping below the branch.
Now the measurement that you noted earlier will come into use. It will help you balance the swing.
7. Insert one of the two pieces of rope through the tube and tie a firm knot. Secure the nut and bolt over the top of the pipe’s distance. It will help to control the ropes better.
8. Cut a long piece of rope and tie it to the side of the tree. Ensure that this piece is located on the lower side of the tree.
9. Now take your swing and tie both ends of the rope at the bottom of the swing. Use the level again to ensure the swing is tied properly and not inclining. Balance the swing by adjusting the ropes and ensuring the knots are fastened properly.
10. With these simple instructions, you are now done! The swing is ready though it is best to try it first to ensure all the bolts and knots are tightened and secured thoroughly so no accidents occur.
For further assistance, we are linking a video tutorial to help you visually with the process.
Difficulties in Hanging a Swing from an Angled Branch
Some problems may arise while hanging a swing from an angled branch.
- You cannot measure the exact length for both pieces of ropes on an angled branch as it will result in an inclined swing.
- If you have an angled branch and no other option, then it is best to measure to extend the swing slightly to prevent bumping and collision.
- Another issue you may face on an angled branch is slipping off the ropes or straps. To prevent that, you will need to secure the ropes and straps in their place using nuts and bolts.
Bonus Tip: When using a swing like a tire swing or a spider-web swing which requires only one rope, you do not need PVC pipe for offset because in a single rope swing, only one attachment point on the angled branch.
Conclusion
Having a swing set in your backyard can be an excellent addition for your children to spend quality time with.
Sometimes we may face the problem of not finding the right branch to hang a tree swing.
If you are facing such a problem and your tree has an angled branch as the only viable option, don’t worry! Even with an angled branch, you can still hang a swing with our help.
Our experts have put together this excellent guide with detailed step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial on how to hang a tree swing on an angled branch.
Share your tree swings with us in the comments below and let us know how your swing set turned out!
Regards.