Christmas tree trunk split - and of course toppled at midnight (4 Viewers)

[efil4stnias]

Only up 2 days- purchased Saturday. The darn trunk had a split from bottom up about 4 ft. Luckily just fell into living room/coffee table ( just missing fireplace/mantle and decor there ) but woke entire house.

I havent had any experience with tree lots, advised the wife that most likely its "not refundable" - hoping they will at least replace.

Wife is devastated as we lost 2 ornaments that each of our girls made in Kindergarten of their hand print.

sigh.

 

[SWJJ]

Tough morning! Sucks losing irreplaceable keepsakes!

Sucks when the missus is upset about things we don't have the power to fix.

EDIT:

This is a great time to suggest moving to artificial Christmas trees! (assuming the Tree lot won't do anything to replace, which has been my experience)

 

[efil4stnias]

Tough morning! Sucks losing irreplaceable keepsakes!

Sucks when the missus is upset about things we don't have the power to fix.

EDIT:

This is a great time to suggest moving to artificial Christmas trees! (assuming the Tree lot won't do anything to replace, which has been my experience)

Have one in attic.

About 5 years ago went to real tree. We had forgotten just how "season-y" having a live tree is in the home. ( primarily the pine smell ) so if in fact the lot doesnt really offer anything, that will be plan b.

I was able to find the shards of most of each "handprint" and ill attempt to use generic ornament, same size, to at least try and glue to the generic one to recreate at least their tiny hand print. Yeah sounds corny, but now 21 and 16, you miss those toddler days at times.

 

[Grumpy Old Manatee]

You didn’t purchase insurance to cover that?

 

[efil4stnias]

You didn’t purchase insurance to cover that?

you would think, right? lol.

 

[Paul]

Me, Paul: Man, I’m sorry that you all are dealing with this, epically losing irreplaceable keepsakes from the kids. I hope it works out - which I know it will and everything will be OK.

My cousin, Raul: Um, duck tape that sob and make some Christmas love to your wife.

 

[efil4stnias]

Me, Paul: Man, I’m sorry that you all are dealing with this, epically losing irreplaceable keepsakes from the kids. I hope it works out - which I know it will and everything will be OK.

My cousin, Raul: Um, duck tape that sob and make some Christmas love to your wife.

i honestly thought of running to HD or Lowes to find some large hose clamps ( the kind you tighten with screw ) - 4 or 5 to reinforce the trunk, but i still dont think that will be enough- its a 10ft tree and i just think the split too far up the trunk to really do much of anything at this point.

im stopping at the lot on way home for lunch so we will see what happens. No expectations at this point.

 

[Paul]

i honestly thought of running to HD or Lowes to find some large hose clamps ( the kind you tighten with screw ) - 4 or 5 to reinforce the trunk, but i still dont think that will be enough- its a 10ft tree and i just think the split too far up the trunk to really do much of anything at this point.

im stopping at the lot on way home for lunch so we will see what happens. No expectations at this point.

People will surprise you, especially during this time of the year. I have a feeling that they’re going to work with you; maybe not a full replacement or refund, but perhaps a solution that benefits everyone. Maybe there’s an arborist or another person who can advise on a solution.

 

[Optimus Prime]

sorry to hear that

I'd go to the lot with the pics and scream them stupid

May not get a refund or replacement tree but you might feel better

 

[GeauxWhoDats]

Was it a pre-cut tree with a stand that has the spike that is driven into the base of the tree? Sounds like it might have already been dried out when they sold it to you. You might be able to get it back into a stand with a base and use the bolts to "repair" the crack.
Something like this. (from google images)


If you don't want to risk the loss of any additional ornaments I would just go with a new tree. I highly recommend going to one of the several live tree farms in the Covington Area or make the drive up a little further north to Steele's Christmas Tree Farm.

Either way, I still would go with Paul's advice.

 

[Grumpy Old Manatee]

If hoping to salvage the tree, might be able to purchase some seriously long and strong zip ties from a big box store. (Keep it clean, all).

Malco 36 in. Nylon Adjustable Tie (25-Pack) TY34 - The Home Depot

Malco - 36 in. Nylon Adjustable Ties, 25-Pack - Great for securing heavy duct take-offs and large cable bundles. Constructed of 100 percent nylon. - THD SKU# 206709

www.homedepot.com

 

[guidomerkinsrules]

You didn’t purchase insurance to cover that?

physician heal thy self

 

[efil4stnias]

Was it a pre-cut tree with a stand that has the spike that is driven into the base of the tree? Sounds like it might have already been dried out when they sold it to you. You might be able to get it back into a stand with a base and use the bolts to "repair" the crack.
Something like this. (from google images)


If you don't want to risk the loss of any additional ornaments I would just go with a new tree. I highly recommend going to one of the several live tree farms in the Covington Area or make the drive up a little further north to Steele's Christmas Tree Farm.

Either way, I still would go with Paul's advice.

LOL exact stand we have had for last 5 years. thats what we had on it - We normally go to GSOM but we were heading to LSU game and time constraints n all....so we hit a lot on 21.

i think when he hammered the stand ( the prongs in middle ) onto trunk, it split. Normally they would use a rubber mallet- he used a hammer and whaled on it several times. I even mentioned to my wife " i hope he doesnt crack the stand"

 

[Madmarsha]

Cynic Marsha: What do people who put up dead trees in their house expect?

Feral housewife Marsha: That sucks.

 

[efil4stnias]

So the good news- they will absolutely replace. Very apologetic.

on the "TiL" tip: Apparently trees coming down form North Carolina have this issue- has to do with coming from cold to S LA climate and they tend to split. He said they have about 25% of trees do this. Normally they id those trees and they are off to side, said more than likely mine was split further up trunk ( couldnt see without thru branches ) and the split finally made way down to bottom.

Truck comes tomorrow so will be able to get new one at no cost.

Worked out well. Now i move on to reconstructing the handprint ornaments - with duct tape.