The recreational use of hammocks in trees has seen a rapid increase in popularity in Minneapolis parks.  What hammock users don’t realize is that no matter how carefully it is done, repeatedly attaching a hammock to a tree has a negative impact on the tree.  This occurs when bark is slowly damaged over time and soil beneath the tree is compacted.  

In some parts of the MPRB system, “Hammock Exclusion Areas” have been established.  In these areas, hammock use is not allowed due to the need for environmental protection, historic / cultural resource protection, premier showcase gardens protection &/or visitor safety.  Signage stating “Hammocks Not Allowed” will be used within these areas to educate hammock users.  

During 2021, the MPRB is planning to build Hammock Stations within the park system.  Hammock Stations will consist of posts that have been constructed for the purpose of having hammocks attached to them.  Until then the following guidelines have been compiled to help educate hammock users on best practices that will lessen the negative impact to trees and their surroundings.  

Hammocks are defined as a hanging, easily swung length of canvas or heavy netting suspended between two trees or other supports and used as a seat or bed.  Below are best practices for attaching Hammocks to trees:

  1. Hammocks may only be affixed to appropriately sized trees and select tree species in the following manner:
    1. Hang hammocks from healthy, robust trees.  Avoid dead branches, splits in the trunk, fungi, and other signs of decay. 
    2. Only trees greater than one foot (1’) in diameter or 38 inches in circumference (about the width of a dinner plate) measured at 4.5 ft. above ground level may be used as anchor points. If the tree moves when the hammock is occupied, the tree is too small.
    3. Tree protection is required for all anchoring equipment.  Minimum tree protection shall consist of fabric padding placed between the tree and anchoring lines. The fabric padding must completely encircle the trunk of the tree and be a minimum of ¼” thick and 10” wide. Appropriate padding material may include carpet samples or similar material. Some manufacturers make a felt covering that goes over straps.  
    4. Anchoring straps must be a minimum of 2” wide. Anchoring straps shall lay flat against the fabric padding and shall not be twisted or folded thus reducing the overall width of the strap. Anchoring straps and their associated hardware shall at no point directly contact the tree.  Ropes, chains or thinner straps may damage bark and are not allowed.
    5. Only one hammock is allowed per tree. Stacking (more than one hammock on top of another) and wheel spokes arrangements (multiple hammocks tied to one tree and set up in different directions) are not allowed.
    6. Hammock should be attached while standing on the ground and at a height than can be entered from the ground.   Climbing a tree to attach &/or enter a hammock is not allowed.  
    7. Hang hammocks so they sag.  If a hammock is taunt without anyone in it, then the straps are too tight and may damage tree bark.  The combined weight in one hammock should not exceed 250 pounds.  
  2. Hammocks must be hung over mowed or heavily mulched areas.  These are areas where grass is mowed, brush is cleared or vegetation is otherwise managed to delineate a space open to public use.  Hammocks cannot restrict the free use of parks or create a hazard to buildings, parks or pathway use. 
  3. The MPRB has the authority to order the removal of any hammock which is determined to be harmful to a tree, harmful to the surrounding area &/or threatening the safety of park users.
    1. To educate hammock users, “These Trees Need Rest” signs will be placed in locations where hammock use needs to stop due to the undo stress being placed on trees.  
  4. Certain tree species cannot be used for hammocks.  These include:
    1. All Birch, Amur Chokecherry and Evergreen trees. These trees have thin &/or delicate bark that is easily damaged by abrasion.
  5. Slacklines and Tensile Hammocks / Tensile Tree Tents are not allowed. 
    1. Slacklines provide a recreational activity which involves walking a narrow, flat nylon webbing suspended horizontally between two anchor points.  It is similar, at first glance, to tightrope walking.
    2. Tensile Hammocks / Tensile Tree Tents are used to create a tensioned fabric platform above the ground for recreational use.  The platform is suspended between 3 anchor points that are drawn taunt by ratchets.  

Provided by:

MPRB Forestry Department
April 12, 2021

Report Hammock-Related Tree Damage

The hammock was first developed by the TaÍno people. The TaÍno people are indigenous to the Caribbean. The word ‘hammock’ comes from the TaÍno word for fish nets – hamaca. The history of the hammock imparts an obligation to use them respectfully, responsibly, and with an intent to honor their culture of origin.

Sources:

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