A hammock in your yard makes the difference between having both feet on the ground and swinging in the breeze. It does not take long to establish a hammock between two strong trees. Hammocks usually come with an installation kit that supplies screws and hooks for hanging. You can choose how tense you want your hammock to be based on personal preference, keeping in mind that hammocks tend to loosen with use. Turn your backyard into an oasis with a hammock and enjoy the relaxation it provides.
Step 1
Expand your flat hammock. Measure the length of the hammock between the hanging points. Divide the total distance by 3. Multiply the answer by 2 to find 2/3 of the hanging distance. This measure of 2/3 is the minimum distance required between the hanging points of the hammock. You can extend the distance for a more tense fit.
Step 2
Find a place in your backyard to hang the hammock. Consider the hanging distance and the purpose of your hammock, like sunbathing, versus relaxing in the shade. Choose two hardwood trees such as oaks, sycamores, maples and poplars that are at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) in diameter and within the hanging distance.
Step 3
Measure from 6 to 8 feet (1.82 to 2.43 m) from the ground on each trunk and mark an “X” on each tree with chalk or tape to designate where you will drill the holes.
Step 4
Drill a hole that has half the diameter of the hammock hook screw on each tree, at the “X” mark. Screw the hooks of the hammock into the holes so that the eye of the screw is against the tree.
Step 5
Join two S hooks to the hoops at each end of the hammock. Connect these hooks to the eyes of the screws that you installed in the trees.