When hanging a hammock from trees always use 1″ or larger webbing tree straps to protect the trees from damage to the cambium layer. The cambium layer is the “growing” part of the tree located just beneath the bark. Chains or small diameter ropes can cause severe damage to the tree and can even kill it. Always use tree straps that are 1″ or wider. We recommend using our extra strength polyester tree straps to hang hammocks because nylon straps can stretch.