Wynn,
Water in any form will expand and will probably break your tubs either right
away or after the first thaw / frost cycle..
I suggest you use dry sand - you can buy sand bags at most gas stations this
time of year. You will still need to keep the water out of the sand from any
thaws that might melt accumulated snow. Suggest a using a garbage bag, in
appropriate Christmas green of course, to make a cover.
Put a hole in the middle of the bags to insert the base of the tree and then
use wire or zip ties to snug up the bag around the tree trunk to make a semi
watertight seal. Make sure the bag is attached to the tree about 4 inches
(10 cm) above the top of the pail, so the bag drapes out and down to allow
drainage. Trim the bag around the top of the pail leaving enough excess to
fold it down the sides of the pail and tape it down. You can buy small rolls
of Gorilla tape in assorted festive colours and Gorilla tape not release in
the cold or damp.
Do not use silver duct tape. That is such a cliché it would just spoil any
Christmas ambiance.
Cheers,
Bob T
From: dsp-ea-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<dsp-ea-general-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of
dsp.ea.large.messages@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: November 7, 2022 3:02 PM
To: DSP-EA-General@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: FW: help needed for a mechanical situation
From: Wynn Payne <wynn.payne@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:wynn.payne@xxxxxxxxx> >
Sent: November 7, 2022 2:57 PM
To: DSP.EA.Large.Messages@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:DSP.EA.Large.Messages@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: help needed for a mechanical situation
Hi Guys
I Know nothing about construction but would appreciate some input on a
construction type problem. .
My wife, Barb, bought a couple of 3' high artificial trees to place on each
side of our garage door.
The trees come with a base made of 3 7" arms that are inserted into slots in
the central core to form a 3 sided support.
The problem is the arms of these supports are longer than the inside
dimensions of the tubs they are to be put into. The tub is about 1 foot in
diameter.
I've considered many items but my current thought is to stand the tree in
the tub and put in about a foot of water around the base of the tree. The
thought is I will let the water freeze and then I have a solid base form
fitted for the winter.
My concern is that the expansion of the ice may break the plastic tree stem.
If I put some pieces of wood in the water will that absorb the expansion or
am I likely to damage the tree stem anyway? Would the ice just rise up with
no lid on the tub?
I would appreciate any and all help.
Thanks
Wynn
.
