Slacklining and Hammocking

Tree Protection Guidelines

The following tree protection measures as determined by the City Forester shall be strictly adhered to by any person when attaching a slackline or hammock to a City tree.

• Slacklining and/or hammocking activity that attaches to City trees in only allowed in a developed neighborhood or community parks where adequate monitoring of the activity for compliance to these tree protection requirements can occur.
• All trees attached to with a slackline and/or hammock must be at least 18 inches in diameter (57 inches circumference which is the distance around the trunk) measured at 4 feet above the ground.
• At the point of attachment there needs to be adequate padding to protect the trunk of the trees. Adequate padding shall be substantial carpet or other cushioning material that separates the slackline attachment from the trunk at all places of contact.
• Only broadleaf trees that do not have any branches or forks to the trunk below 5 feet shall be attached to. Evergreen trees such as pine, spruce, fir, or juniper shall not be attached to with a slackline due to the potential of the damage to low branches. Hammocks are acceptable on evergreens with proper tree protection measures taken.
• The point of attachment of any slackline shall not be more than 4 feet above the ground.
• The maximum distance between any two trees that are attached to with a slackline system is 60 feet.
• Only one person is allowed to apply weight to the slackline at any one time.
• Slacklines shall not be placed across non-turf areas (except mulch zones around trees,) sidewalks, roads, trails, sports fields, playgrounds, or across any other area of high pedestrian activity.
• Slackline attachment to City trees shall only occur during daylight hours.
• Slacklines shall not be left unattended. Persons attaching slacklines to City trees must be present at all times at the actual location in the park while the slackline is attached to a City tree.
• No more than two trees shall be attached to with any slackline system at one time. Do not attach two or more slacklines to the same tree.
• Slacklines shall have red or orange cones marking tape or ribbon that hangs at least 6 inches below the line. Marking tape or ribbon shall be placed at intervals of not less than 10 feet.
• A slackline should not be so close to another tree (third tree) that the participant's movement along the line is restricted or potential damage to the third tree could occur.
• Climbing on City trees is prohibited.

The following parks have larger trees suitable for slacklines longer than 60 feet:

• Spring Park
• Edora Park
• Warren Park

Tree protection measure listed above, as well as these additional measures must be followed when placing a slackline that is greater than 60 feet.

• Trees attached to with the slackline must be at least 24 inches in diameter (75-inch circumference which is the distance around the trunk) measured at 4 feet above the ground. 
• The point of attachment of the slackline shall not be more than 10 feet above the ground. 
• Safety cones that are orange in color shall be placed every 20 feet along the length of the slackline and red or orange marking tape or ribbons shall be attached to the slackline every 20 feet. Placement of orange marking tape should offset the locations of the safety cones. 
• The point of attachment shall be placed below the first branch originating from the main trunk. 

To request permission to place a slackline at a distance greater than 60 feet between two trees, you must contact and meet with the City Forester. The City Forester will provide the rules that are specific to a longer span and suitable park locations with larger trees. Permission is valid for one year. New requests must be made each year.