Tree Protection
Tree protection when slacklining
The following has to be considered when slacklining with trees as anchors:
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Tree diameter of at least 12 inches (30cm)
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Tree protection under the tree sling, in order to prevent the sling of abrading the bark.
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Treeslings which are at least 2 inches (5 cm wide) (Industrial lifting slings, for example, can be spread out behind the tree to increase surface area to 2-4 inches in width!)
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We also recommend you proactively approach slackliners in your community about these issues – this helps the entire community!
Detailed information
The requirements mentioned above are based off DIN 79400 (the industry standard for slacklines) and are valid for slacklines rigged between trees where jumping off is feasible.
The strains that a slackline system puts on a tree can be broken down in three categories, in a simplified form.
Tension
The tension is the pull the slackline exerts on the tree. The tree needs to be able to withstand the loads pulling on it from slacklines unscathed. It is not easy to assess the maximum pull a tree can withstand. That is why we recommend a minimum diameter of 30cm at the height of the anchor to be sure that we are not damaging the tree. If you want to evaluate the forces in your slackline system you can take a look at this flyer or use this calculator.
Pressure
The pressure, transferred from the slackline to the tree is, among other things, dependent on the tension of the line, the diameter of the tree and the width of the slings wrapping the tree. The larger the tree and the wider the slings, the greater the area of contact of the sling and the lesser the pressure on the bark. Trees with thin bark are more vulnerable when it comes to pressure compared to trees with thick bark. To protect the tree it is advisable to use slings of more than 4cm in diameter (ideally spread out).
Under Pressure – Study by the International Slackline Association
Impact of slings and tree protection on distribution of pressure
Download English .pdf file:
Friction
In order to protect the bark of the tree from the friction caused by the slings we use tree protection made from robust materials such as felt or carpet. This allows the sling to rub on the tree protection without damaging the bark and, with it, the tree. Tree protection that is 20 cm high and 2-3 meters has proven to be suitable.
Take a look at the flyers if you don’t know what tree protection looks like!
The following links contain detailed information (in German) on which we base our recommendations
Baumschutz beim Slacklinen in der Schweiz (2012)
Baumschutzempfehlungen von Volker Genenz (2009)
Standards beim Baumschutz von Christian Katlein (2010)