Instructions - How To Water my Tree

The WaterTree™ is designed to be used with a traditional reservoir type stand. Such a stand is, or contains, a sealed, often metallic, cylinder for holding the tree trunk. These stands are available from most outlets which sell cut Christmas trees. WaterTree™ makes watering your tree hassle-free – no more need to try to manoeuvre under the wide lower branches in order to get a jug of water down towards the base of the trunk. It reduces spills, reduces needle drop and reduces risk of injury.

Ensure that the trunk of the tree you buy will fit into your stand, you can clear any low down straggling branches if necessary. The key issue is that the maximum diameter of the section of the trunk that will sit inside your stand should be 3-5cm smaller than the diameter of your stand’s trunk holder. Once your Christmas tree is home, here are some tips on setting it up, and how to use the WaterTree™

1. Saw about 2-3cm off the base of the trunk to create a fresh cut perpendicular to the trunk, this will allow your tree to begin taking up water. Avoid cutting at an angle as this will impede the water uptake and will also make it harder to stand the tree vertically. Many retailers will offer to cut the base of the trunk for you and this can save you time.
2. Check that your tree fits into your stand. Try to avoid cutting away external layers of trunk above your cut base as the outer layers of the wood are the most efficient in drawing up water.
3. Prepare the area where you plan to place your stand. An inexpensive old rug or bathmat can provide an excellent base on which to place the stand to protect any underlying carpet or flooring. Avoid placing your tree next to sources of heat such as radiators or fires. If necessary you can turn off a radiator that is too close by.
4. Place and secure your tree into your stand following the manufacturer’s instructions. Try to ensure the base of the tree trunk is as near the bottom of the holding cylinder as possible.
5. Insert the flattened end of your WaterTree™ through the foliage from about waist height, near to the trunk, and down into the holding cylinder of the stand; push down as far as possible. It is advised that the WaterTree™ is inserted in an accessible position towards the rear of the tree so that whilst being easily usable it is also hidden from most views. The WaterTree™ can be placed at an angle of up to 30° from vertical if placing it vertically is not ideal – it is designed to bend if needed. Use the tie to secure the funnel mouth so that it’s not right next to any lights.
6. If the base of your tree trunk is not settled fully at the bottom of your stand then initially fill with water until the level reaches the base of the trunk. Now use a measuring jug to pour water into the funnel of the WaterTree™ until the desired level is reached. Remember the number of litres used as a guide to total refill in future.
7. Do not overfill your stand’s capacity as this could lead to leakage. Dependent upon size, freshness and type, your tree may consume up to half a litre of water each day in the first few days. The volume consumed will reduce over time. After the first few days watering every other day will usually be sufficient. Ensure that the water level doesn’t fall below the base of the trunk. If the water level falls below the base of the trunk then your tree’s ability to drink will be reduced. If left for too long the base of the trunk will dry and seal itself preventing further water uptake unless another 2-3 cm of trunk are sawn off.
8. Leave your WaterTree™ in place until you take your tree down. Decorate your tree and have a Happy Christmas with your beautiful tree!

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