How to Make a Tree Net

Have you ever wanted a tree house but don't have the time, energy or resources to make one?

Let me introduce you to tree nets. They are big, horizontal webs that are strong enough to support a person’s weight. They are easy and quick to make and are relatively cost effective, requiring only strong/climbing rope and a tree. I have made 3 of them in different trees and used them often. They are comfortable to lie in and move with the tree. They are a great place to lie in and read or look at the view. If you are quiet enough then birds can come close to you, it makes a great bird hide. Let's get to making it!

1. 50m +/- of strong/climbing rope (the more you have, the bigger your net can be!)
2. A tree to build it in

yup that's all :D

For this project you will need strong/climbing rope that is in good condition. If it looks at all weak then don't use it as you will be putting your weight on it. If you don't enough of one rope then feel free to use different ropes. I used one to make the layout of the net and the other, longer one to fill in the gaps.

I got my rope from an off-cuts bin at a rope factory, but any strong rope will do.

Now that you have your rope, you need to go find a good spot in a tree to make it. I would suggest building it in a tree a few meters off of the ground, preferably in a spot with a good view. It goes without saying but remember that the higher you build it the more dangerous it is. You should also build it in a tree that has enough branches for you to easily climb up to your tree net. That means that palm trees are not recommended.

Make sure that the branches that you are going to make your tree net in are alive and healthy and that the main branches that are supporting most of your weight are about 10 centimeters in diameter. It is also important that there are more than enough branches as the quote “less is more” does not apply here. If a branch does not look like it can support your weight, don't use it!

Carry all the ropes that you are going to use up to where you are going to make it. If you can't climb up with all of your ropes at once, you can tie a small rope or string onto the big rope and pull it up to you.

Bowline knots are strong and won't unravel if you tie them correctly. They are also easy to remove if you ever want to move or take down the net. Refer to the photos to see how to tie a bowline knot, or this video.

Make the main structure of the tree net first. The fewer branches you are using the more framework you will need to make as you need either rope or branches to make the interior of the net on. Think of the framework as the foundation.

Remember to keep everything tight at all times. If the net gets loose it could be dangerous and you would have to redo it.

Weave the rest of the rope between the branches and the rope you put in as framework. go over and under the rope that you have already put in to keep everything tight.

Try to think of the tree net as a horizontal spiderweb. There are supposed to be no big holes or knots anywhere on the net. Once you have made enough then you can sit on it to make the rest more quickly.

Thanks for looking at/making/judging my instructable :)

If you're making the net be sure to be careful, and only climb in trees, and to a height that you are safely able to do so in. Also, always make sure the tree and rope are in good condition.

I'll see you in the next one!