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Make an automatic Xmas tree watering system? Winner!

Posted December 07, 2007 4:18 PM

From MAKE Magazine:

Stokes writes - I had an idea involving an external reservoir but didn't require an air-tight container. (See Image) An open-topped (or at least non-sealed) external reservoir is attached to the tree's water supply by a tube at the bottom. The reservoir is kept at the same height as the tree's supply. The water level in each container will remain level; you can easily see how much water the tree has, plus you can refill the external reservoir without having to crawl beneath the tree. If you use a larger or deeper reservoir, you can extend the time between refills substantially. The one benefit this has over the ones that rely on an air-tight reservoir is that there is less of a risk of leaking. A tiny air leak in an air-tight reservoir system could eventually overflow the container under the tree. This idea doesn't store as much water, though. You also need to put a hole in the bottom of the tree stand, which is additional work.

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#1

Re: Make an automatic Xmas tree watering system? Winner!

12/08/2007 8:12 AM

I tried that idea many years ago.

Our toddler, dog and cat constantly used to drink from the external reservoir.

Eventually we went back to the old system: A bucket with the tree dipped into it, and a few aspirin tablets to prevent the pine tree from needle dropping too soon.

Since then, with our children much older, we decided to do the right thing,and not cut down a living tree.

We now use a synthetic tree, for over 30 years, bring it out and decorate it.....

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#2

Re: Make an automatic Xmas tree watering system? Winner!

12/08/2007 1:19 PM

Years ago, when we had a house with high ceilings (9 ft.) and a large Christmas tree, I would just take a two-liter soda bottle, fill it with water, and invert it with the outlet down under the level of the water in the tree stand. It was well hidden by the branches and ornaments. As the tree used water, when the water level got down to the bottle opening, it would let go of a few glugs of water and add an inch or so. Two liters would last for most of the season. I would typically have to refill it once.

jhammond

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