I used straps on the last trip and feel they did not in any way damage the trees I put them on, when I did hang the Dryad.  In a couple places there was no option, so I pitched it sitting on the ground, with one rope clamped in my car door and the other end tied to the picnic table.  That worked but tension/shape of tent was a little loose.  Have had to do that occasionally in the north woods when there were no trees in the right positions.