What type of eye bolt is accepted for tree support systems in the US?

Drop-forged eye bolts are accepted for tree support systems in the US due to their superior strength and reliability. The drop-forging process involves shaping metal while it is in a softened state, allowing for a denser and more uniformly distributed grain structure. This results in greater load-bearing capacity and resistance to fatigue compared to other types of eye bolts.

In tree support applications, where the integrity of the hardware is critical for safety and stability, the strength characteristics of drop-forged eye bolts are particularly important. They are also designed to withstand dynamic loads better, such as those that may arise from wind or the movement of the tree itself.

On the other hand, forged steel eye bolts, while strong, may not be specifically designed for the same range of applications as drop-forged ones. Aluminum eye bolts generally do not offer the same load-bearing capacity and can be more susceptible to corrosion, making them less suitable for outdoor use in tree support applications. Welded eye bolts pose a risk of weakened joints due to the welding process, which can introduce stress points that could fail under load. Therefore, drop-forged eye bolts are the most appropriate choice for providing reliable support for trees in various conditions.