Hammocks are the perfect garden relaxation equipment that help everyone recharge their energies after a hectic period of stressful work. These suspended slings that are typically fixed a few feet above the ground have a gentle swaying motion that is extremely soothing for the nerves and even lull you to sleep. The quality of sleep also is far superior to what you get in bed. This has made hammocks increasingly popular and we see them in gardens, by the pool and seaside, and in vacation hotspots.
While hammocks are not difficult to set up, it is important to put up hammocks correctly to ensure personal safety, prevent damage to property and the hammock and get the maximum comfort. Hammocks have to be tied very firmly either to trees or to poles fixed firmly to the ground with no fear of their getting uprooted with heavier weights. Hammocks fixed on stands just need to be placed in the proper manner.
The following steps need to be followed for setting up hammocks:
• Deciding on the place for putting up the hammock-Once a hammock has been purchased, you need to decide where you want to fix it. It can be on your own property in the garden, by the pool or on the patio. Here it can stay fitted for a prolonged period of time.
• Deciding what to tie the hammock to, trees or poles- If there are trees that the hammock can be tied to, they need to be 10-13 feet apart. The hammock then has to be hung on hooks that are at least six feet above the ground level for the correct suspension. It is important that the trees are living and firm with a bark that is at least six inches in diameter. However, in the absence of trees at the right distance, poles can be fixed in the ground but they must go at least 3 feet deep to provide proper firmness and be appropriately weight bearing. Once they have been placed 3 feet into the ground they have to be sealed with concrete, which then needs to dry for a week.
• Installing hooks- While hammocks can be tied to the trees with strong ropes, poles or posts would need to have some hooks on which the hammock can be hung. The hooks must be the screw variety that do not give way easily. Hooks can be pushed into tree trunks as well.
• Hang the hammock- Once the hooks are in place the hammock is ready for hanging and lying in. The loop ends simply need to be placed into the hooks, and at the end of the day the hammock can be easily removed and placed indoors to prolong its life.
• Camping- When hammocks are taken for camping trips or other picnics and day trips, hooks become cumbersome and it is preferable to tie strong ropes around the trees available. Nylon ropes are stronger than cotton ones, and a bowline knot can be made behind the tree, after the rope has been strung through the hammock loop. This type of knot will not open easily and is therefore secure.
Complete hammock set-up kits are also available with hammocks, which give detailed instructions along with all the equipment needed. Once the hammock has been fixed, it must be tried cautiously before it is used for lying down.