Tree Protection When Slacklining – Why It Is an Absolute Must
Tree Protection When Slacklining – Why It Is an Absolute Must
When a slackline is tensioned, forces of 500 to 800 kg act in the direction of pull – directly on the tree's bark. Without protection, that is a real danger to the tree. And to our sport.
At slackliner.de we recognised this early on. We were one of the first slackline companies worldwide to consistently include tree protection – since 2005. Back then there was an outcry in the scene: too expensive, unnecessary, over the top. Today everyone knows: we were right.
What happens without tree protection?
Bark abrasion – the round sling rubs against the bark every time you mount, jump or dismount. Trees with smooth bark such as beeches are particularly sensitive.
Pressure damage to the cambium – the cambium is the vital growth layer directly beneath the bark. If it is crushed by sustained pressure, the nutrient pathways can be permanently interrupted – especially critical in spring.
Gateway for pests – damaged bark is an open wound. Fungi, insects and bacteria can penetrate and harm the tree in the long term.
Legal consequences – in parks and public spaces, visible bark damage counts as criminal damage in Germany. Not a trivial offence.
ISA minimum requirements for good tree protection
In 2016/17, the International Slackline Association (ISA) carried out the world's first consumer test for tree protection – 43 products from 23 manufacturers were tested and rated by 30 slackliners from around the world in Bern.
The result: only 5 criteria decide whether tree protection is really any good:
| Criterion | Minimum (4 stars) |
|---|---|
| Length | 200 cm |
| Height | 20 cm |
| Thickness | 4 mm |
| Handling/loops | Attachment for round slings |
| Durability | Usable for several seasons |
The alarming result: many of the worst tree protection products are supplied in cheap beginner sets – exactly where beginners do not yet know whether their tree protection is any good.
👉 Full ISA Tree Protection Consumer Test (PDF)
Our Tree Protection Plus in the ISA test
Sigma Slacklines Tree Protection Plus was one of 13 products that manufacturers actively submitted for testing – and ranks among the best 12 of 43 tree protection products tested worldwide.
Our Tree Protection "Plus" meets the ISA minimum requirements:
- Length: 2 m ✅
- Height: 15 cm (ISA recommends 20 cm – we're working on it)
- Thickness: 4 mm felt ✅
- 3 Velcro fasteners for a secure hold ✅
- Made in Germany ✅
It is included in our Sigma Impact Set – because we have never done it any other way since 2005.
Rules for responsible slacklining
✅ Always use tree protection – no slacklining without it!
✅ Only healthy, mature trees – minimum diameter 30 cm according to ISA and DIN 79400
✅ Never rig on damaged bark
✅ Change trees regularly
✅ No young trees – the cambium is too sensitive
✅ Wrap the tree protection all the way around the tree – for optimal pressure distribution
✅ Take your rubbish with you, be considerate of passers-by
Bans – a real problem
Many German cities have reacted: Cologne, Munich, Berlin – slackline bans in various parks. The good news: where slackliners act responsibly, bans are often relaxed again. Our sport has a future – but only if we respect nature.
More ISA resources on tree protection
The ISA provides extensive free documents:
👉 Buy Tree Protection "Plus"
👉 Sigma Impact Set with tree protection