Why should I protect the trees?

Tree protection makes slacklining sustainable. Most importantly - it keeps the tree alive, and by looking after the trees, slackliners will continue to have access to parks across Europe and beyond. Between the months of January and May, a higher volume of water is transported through capillary tubes (directly under the bark) to the roots of all branches. The high tension of your slackline can interrupt this vital flow of water within the tree. This frictional force, generated on the trunk of the tree (especially on trees with an even bark surface) can cause damage! The tree protector is able to conserve trees, by balancing out tension and working as a buffer against the build up of friction. PLEASE USE A TREE PROTECTOR!

How do I protect the trees?

First of all consider ONLY trees over 30 cm in diameter for holding your slackline. Please make sure that the tree trunk is healthy. Never use rotten tree trunks. The longer your slackline, the higher the tension, so it is more important to select the right anchor point. Choose different trees from time to time, if you can.

Please use the following items to distribute the pressure:

• professional tree protector (order here) • door mat • car mat • camping mat • thick cardboard • wooden strips for weight distribution • piece of carpet

Thank you.

A slackliner´s ode to the trees...

‘For me the slackline creates a new connection between myself and the trees. With a tree each side of myself I am able to float in-between on my slackline. I feel encouraged by their strength. I am grateful to all trees. Everyday they give me the great opportunity to attach my slackline. The trees are my partners to stay with a better balance in life.
The tree absorbs the traction force without any complaints. His roots reach deep into the soil. Often it takes more than thirty years for some trees to become so strong that they are able to hold my slackline. What would slacklining be like without trees? Only half as exciting, in my opinion.
With the slackline I am physically ‘linked’ with trees. Sometimes I like to hug my tree to say ‘thank you for holding my slackline’.
I like to be connected with my anchor points. I like trees.’