Asking in here as it seems almost every American has a fake tree, but I hoping there are at least a few fellow Brits who still go for a real one…
This will be my first Christmas alone after my wife died in the summer. Although I’m not really in the festive spirit, I’m still going to make an effort as she would have wanted me to.
However, I’m now faced with a 7ft real Christmas tree and having to get it into a bucket and straighten it up all by myself.
Has anyone done this and have some magical tip for how to do it without someone else to hold the tree? The bucket has one of those metal inserts with screws on the outside to hold the tree in place.
6 comments
While still with the netting around lie the tree down and put the bucket with clamps loosely in place. Put upright and tighten int screws the secure the tree. Cut off the netting.
If you’ve taken the netting off already it’ll be a bit trickier but still doable. Resting it on a table/sofa and not the floor might make it easier for straightening up once the bucket has been fastened. Having something in the bucket to add some heft is beneficial too. Sand or stones could do it and add once the tree is in and secure.
Asking a neighbour/friends/family for a bit of help is also an option.
Last year i had some ‘invisible’ thread holding my tree straight, connected to a few small Command hooks. Worked a treat and no one noticed.
So if its not straight, dont stress.
Urgh, if I’d know, I could’ve sent you my Xmas tree holder.
It’s basically a heavy stand with metal grips to hold the tree and a reservoir for the water. No compost or mess, just add water.
You can get them at places like Homebase or B&Q..
(Also if anyone wants one in the Chichester area, I have one spare!)
Hello. Firstly, I am so very sorry for your loss and all credit to you for wanting to do this. Secondly, yes, as an Army wife I’ve put up plenty of Christmas trees alone . Here’s my hack:
Keep the tree in its net. Find a sturdy door handle or banister and loop some long and thick string around it. Set your tree into the base and loosely screw it in (so it’s standing alone but still adjustable) a few inches away from the door handle, then loop the string around the tree and tie that end back to the banister or door handle. Make sure the now looped string is really taut so it’s effectively acting as someone holding the tree, then you can step back and start adjusting. When you’ve finished, move it into position before you take the net off (I forgot to do that once and it wasn’t a good plan!) It’s not a perfect method but it helps.
I wish you peace.
Did my 6-7ft by myself (stubbornly independent but small female!)
Chopped an inch off the bottom, kept it in netting, just picked it up and put it in stand in corner of room so I could rest it while I straightened it up.
When all straight just added the water, took net off and added lights!
Not as hard as you’d imagine, just takes some wigging to get in place.
Christmases without your loved one are hard, hopefully the tree will help with a small amount of festive spirit. 🙂
I recently bought one for my parents that came with a base already on. I think it was more expensive but worth it if it means no messing around.