JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs Forums Photo Galleries Ask The Experts Tools & Directories        
Return to the Garden Accoutrements Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Faux Wood Swing Needed?

Posted by bettinahildegard Z9 FL (My Page) on
Mon, Jun 26, 06 at 13:05

Hi there. My husband, baby and I were on our cypress wood swing the other day when it fell. Luckily, the baby was on a pillow, so he didn't get hurt at all. What happened is that the bolt that was in the tree trunk got stressed over time (DH says it's megal fatigue)and just sheared off. Next time we're just going to wrap the limb with the chains. The swing was damaged enough to need replacement. Which leads to two questions:

1) We had to coat the swing with polyurethane to avoid splinters. It wore off once, so we had to do it again. That was a real pain and I'm wondering if faux wood would be easier to deal with, and stronger, too. I personally like wood best, but.... Does anyone know where to get these, if they even exist? I've never seen them anywhere and would be happy to buy online, if I knew of other people's experiences with them.

2) When we wrap the chains around the limb, does anyone have any good ideas for a material to use btw the chains and the trunk to keep the chains from eventually digging into the tree?

Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Bettina


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Faux Wood Swing Needed?

Slip a piece of hose over the chain to cushion it on the branch.


 o
RE: Faux Wood Swing Needed?

Actually, it's easier on the tree to drill a hole and mount hangers. Either the long screw-in eye type, or all the way through with nuts & bolts (the route I went on a very old Peacn Tree). I consulted with our arborist on this and he said never to wrap anything around the limb. The tree can handle the small holes, but anything damaging half the circumference wiuld likely kill the limb over time. Who knew? --- Tango


 
 

 

 


Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.



iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network