Care of Real Christmas Trees from Shady Pond Tree Farm

Care of
Real Christmas Trees

Decorated Leyland Cypress


New Technology for Christmas Trees

Standtastic Adjustable Stand-

(Harold Odom, inventor)

This new tree stand can actually save marriages by making the setup of the annual Christmas tree so simple and easy that the customary family bickering and fighting is all but eliminated. The two primary functions of a Christmas tree stand are; first, to hold the tree and; second, to provide a means of adjustment so that it can be plumbed vertically. The Standtastic stand has separate and independent features to accomplish these two primary functions. The handle of the tree is secured in the trough of the support bracket using two quick release bands (hose clamps). The bands are tightened using a screwdriver. Stand the tree up by tipping it over on the two long legs. Use your foot to extend the remaining short leg. With the tree standing, adjust the thumb screws to obtain the required vertical orientation. In the case of large heavy trees, it may be necessary to lift the weight off the leg being adjusted to make the thumb screw easier to turn. Keep in mind that, a small change in the leg angle will make large change in the tree position. So, the thumb screws should be adjusted in 1/4 turn or 1/2 turn increments.

Once the entire family is satisfied with the tree position, a separate water bowl can be placed under the butt of the tree, or the I-V can be installed. Because the water bowl is left behind when the tree is being taken down, the possibility of spilling the water is greatly reduced.


Christmas Tree I-V-

internal watering system

This system replaces the conventional "butt in bowl" watering apparatus. It consists of a syphon tube, two expanding rubber sleeves, a pinch valve and a used gallon milk jug as a water reservoir. Two 1/2" diameter holes are drilled in to the woody tissue of the tree trunk. The syphon is started by covering the vent hole in the jug stopper and squeezing the jug. Once the syphon has been established, the flow is stopped using the pinch valve. The expanding rubber sleeves are place into the drilled holes in the trunk. The pinch valve is opened and the flow of water to the tree begins. Capillary act carries the water up the trunk and out the branches to the tree foliage, keeping it fresh and pliable.

This watering system has a number of significant advantages. The water reservoir is readily visible. It is not covered by the tree skirt and Christmas packages. So, there is no question as to when it needs refilling. The reservoir is easily refilled. Simply close the pinch valve, remove the syphon tube and stopper, bring the jug to the faucet, fill it, return it to the tree, replace the stopper and tube, and open the pinch valve. Since the entire system is closed, the water never becomes contaminated or stagnant. When it's time for the tree to come down, simply remove the jug, the syphon tube and expanding sleeves. The tree is now ready to be moved with no risk of spilling an attached water bowl. Allow the tubes to drain and dry; and store the system til next year.

While the tree is up, a drip pan should be placed on the floor under the butt of the tree so that any dripping sap, or water, will not stain the carpet.

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