Make a tree swing...

How to Build a Tree Swing

If you can tie a knot and drill holes, you can build a fun swing in a few hours.

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Swooshing through the air can be a joy for anyone, whether you're 4 or 40.

Spring is here, so it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy fresh air. One fun and easy way to feel the breeze is to add a tree swing to your yard. Swooshing through the air can be a joy for anyone, whether you’re 4 or 40, and if you know how to tie a knot and drill holes, you can start building a swing in the morning and be kicking up your heels by sundown.

To get started, pick out a sturdy, healthy tree, and make sure the branch to which you will anchor your swing is more than 10 inches in diameter. You’ll also need to make sure there’s adequate swinging room, so you don’t slam into the tree, or a fence. To make a seat for your swing, you can use recycled wood. But if you don’t have a sturdy piece of wood left over from an old building project, you can find recycled wood from demolished buildings in your area here and at Freecycle. Check out more tips for finding recycled building materials to make your swing in the article Save Money With Used Building Materials. The wood for your seat should be about 2 inches thick, 16 inches long and about 10 inches wide. For detailed instructions on constructing a more complex seat check out John Vivian’s article Swing Into Fall With A Tree Swing. He connects several pieces of wood together to reinforce the seat, so the board won’t split. He suggests using cedar or redwood because they are rot-resistant.

You’ll also need rope that is twice the height of your swing, plus a little extra. Vivian suggests using three-eighths-inch polyester rope and adding 4 yards to your swing’s length. In Vivian’s plan, he uses a five-eighths-inch drill bit and drills four holes 1½ inches from the ends of the seat. He suggests tying a “granny” knot. If your knot knowledge isn’t up to par, check out How to Tie the Ten Most Useful Knots. For more security, Vivian attaches three-eighths-inch stainless steel or brass washers to the bottom of the seat to make sure the knot won’t shimmy through the holes.

When it’s time to test the swing and see how high you can fly, plan to attach the ropes to the limb about 17 inches apart. Vivian throws the rope over the branch and attaches a running “bowline” knot to the limb. Or he suggests using eyescrews and “S” hooks as a way to attach the swing to the branch. You can be creative with your knots, just make sure they’re sturdy enough to support the swing, and its swinger.

If you’re looking for an easy way to relax and feel like a kid again, make a tree swing. With a little creativity, you can swing all spring and summer long.

Taken from my Email Newsletter from Mother Earth.com,

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