There is something about a porch swing that attracts people of all ages.
Our swing has become the center of so many activities in our front yard. It’s a nice spot to catch up with the kids at the end of the day. Grandparents love to swing as they watch the little ones running around gently. My mother loves to get away from our intense energy by quilting on the porch swing. Friends make a B-line straight to the porch swing. They could care less if they never step foot into the house. We love our porch swing.
The thing is – we don’t have a porch.
I fell in love with porches and porch swings in our Tennessee home. Porches have become a necessity when looking for a house to move into. But, when we moved into our latest home, there was no porch. My big old porch swing had to go into storage. That is until I watched “It’s Complicated” – with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin & Steve Martin. I fell in love with the setting’s house and yard. I love that setting, and I want it. Unfortunately, that really is complicated – when you don’t have unlimited funds. But, the one thing that caught my attention was toward the end of the movie, when Alec & Meryl are sitting on a porch swing hanging from a tree.
I just happen to have a huge tree in the front yard, and where there is a will – there is a way.
So, thanks to the big tree and a great movie, our swing is back – in full swing. Hopefully, you’ll get some inspiration from my porch”less” – porch swing and look around your yard for the right spot to hang your porch swing.
Picking the Right Tree to Hang your Swing From
Hardwood trees are the best type of trees to hang your swing from, like oak, maple, or mature willow
Height of the Swing
Pick a distance that allows an adult to sit comfortably on the swing with their feet touching the ground.
Protecting the Tree
Add a buffer of fabric or rubber between rope or chain and the branch you have chosen to hang your swing from
Here’s What You’ll Need to Hang a Porch Swing from a Tree…
- A hardwood tree, like an oak tree, is best. Evergreen trees or fruit trees are too soft and will snap under too much pressure.
- Try to find a branch that is at a 90-degree angle from the tree and has enough length on the thickest part to hang the swing from
- Ensure the branch is thick and can support the weight of three people plus the weight of the swing added together and is at least 3 feet away from the trunk without bouncing.
- Branch straps are a good idea for hanging. A rope or chain will weaken the branch.
- Do not hang the swing too high off of the ground.
- To add more safety measures – You can dig into the grass and fill the spot under the swing with sand or a softer filler like rubber tiles.
~Melissa – KidFriendlyThingsToDo.Com
