How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (2024)

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Tired of your outdoor tree falling over? Learn how to keep outdoor Christmas trees from blowing over on your porch or yard.

Decorating your front porch or yard with Christmas trees is a fun way to celebrate the holidays.

But whether you are using real or artificial Christmas trees outside one of the most frustrating problems is that they blow over so easily.

That leads to broken decorations, having to set everything up over and over again, and the risk of someone getting hurt when a tree falls over.

Learning how to secure outdoor Christmas trees securely can save you a lot of time and frustration during the holidays.

These easy tricks have worked well for me in the past when I’ve decorated my yard and porch with trees.

If you live in a very windy area you may find that you need to use a combination of methods.

How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (1)

Contents

How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over

Fence Post Base

Add Weights

Try An Umbrella Stand

Shepherds Hooks

Tie Straps

How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over

Fence Post Base

How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (2)ADLER Fence Post Base Brackets Heavy Duty Steel Powder-Coated Anchor Support Use for 4×4 Wood, 11” x 4.3” x 6, BlackHow To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (3)

A fence post base isn’t just good for fixing a leaning fence post they can be really handy in securing an outdoor Christmas tree.

These post-holders have holes in the bottom that you can screw into your porch, or use stakes to secure them into the ground.

Then place the trunk of your Christmas tree inside it, try to use one that fits snuggly, and screw through the side holes into the trunk to secure it.

This fence post brackets idea will work best with a real tree.

Add Weights

One of the main reasons artificial Christmas trees fall over outside is that their base isn’t heavy enough to keep it grounded when the wind picks up.

You can help make the base heavy by adding bags or boxes of rocks, sand, or even cat litter to the bottom of the tree.

Make it pretty by placing them inside burlap sacks so they look like mock Christmas presents under the tree and your neighbors will never know.

Try An Umbrella Stand

How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (4)EliteShade Umbrella Base Water Filled Stand Market Patio Outdoor Heavy Duty Umbrella HolderHow To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (5)

Umbrella stands are made to hold large outdoor umbrellas even in windy weather. This can make them a great solution for holding artificial trees outside and keeping them from blowing over.

Make sure the one you get has a pipe diameter large enough to fit the trunk of your tree inside. Then fill the base with sand and place the tree inside before tightening it down well.

This trick works well in combination with the extra bags of weights or tie straps if you are in a very windy area.

Shepherds Hooks

How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (6)Ashman Shepherd’s Hooks, Black, Set of 4 Made of Premium Metal for Hanging Solar Lights, Bird Feeders, Mason Jars, Plant Hangers, Flower Basket, Christmas Lights, Lanterns, Garden Stakes and WeddingsHow To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (7)

Shepherds hooks used to support having baskets during the summer can also make good supports for outdoor Christmas trees.

Make sure to use a heavy duty one and drive it into the ground securely.

Then place the Christmas tree next to the post and tie them together with strong twine or zip ties.

Shepherds hooks work best for light weight artificial trees.

Tie Straps

If your outdoor tree is near a fence or railing another option is to use a ratcheting tie strap.

Place the tie strap around the trunk and the railing and secure it tightly. This option can work well for both artificial and real cut Christmas trees.

If there are no posts nearby that you can secure the tree to, another option that may work is to use tent spikes and rope that’s been pulled tight to hold the tree in place.

Just be careful when setting this up that it’s not a tripping hazard in your yard.

Of course, you can combine these ideas together to make sure your Christmas trees stay in place in windy weather so you don’t have to go outside and try to fix it.

While these ideas have worked well for me in the past to keep my Christmas trees in place if you are expecting a really bad wind storm it’s always a good idea to move the decorations to a safer place if possible.

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How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (8)

Kim Mills is a homeschooling mom of 6 and lives on an urban homestead in Ontario, Canada. Blogging at Homestead Acres she enjoys sharing tips to help you save money, grow and preserve your own food.

How To Keep Outdoor Christmas Trees From Blowing Over (2024)

FAQs

How do I keep my outdoor Christmas decorations from blowing over? ›

A good anchoring system that isn't too obstructive is rebar and rope. Using a rubber mallet, pound the rebar or other heavy-duty metal stake into the ground behind your decoration. Then attached a sturdy chain or heavy rope, preferably to a hole or opening on the back of the item.

How do you secure an outdoor Christmas tree? ›

One of the main reasons artificial Christmas trees fall over outside is that their base isn't heavy enough to keep it grounded when the wind picks up. What is this? You can help make the base heavy by adding bags or boxes of rocks, sand, or even cat litter to the bottom of the tree.

How do you weight down a Christmas tree? ›

Weigh It Down

If you can't tie your tree down, make sure it is heavy enough that it won't fall. You can add sand bags to the base to weight it down, or just use a wide, sturdy base to begin with. The extra effort could save you many a headache in the future.

How do you protect a Christmas tree from falling over? ›

Use weights to hold down the stand.

If your stand is not heavy enough to hold your tree down, place bags of sand or bricks on top of its legs. You can also put some rocks in the water reservoir, but be careful not to displace the water too much. Cover the stand with a Christmas tree skirt to hide any unsightly objects.

How do I stop my outdoor tree from blowing over? ›

Bags Of Rocks

What is this? To use this method simply fill plastic store bags with rocks, pebbles, or sand, and tie them on to your tree stand. You want to use at least two, and place them opposite each other, so that the weight is evenly distributed.

Should you tape outdoor Christmas lights? ›

Don't assume all lights are designed for outdoor use; wrap all connections between strings with electrical tape to keep moisture out. Always plug lights into a covered outlet protected with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)—running cords from inside the house through a window or a mail slot is a fire hazard.

How can I stabilize my Christmas tree without a stand? ›

Bucket and Rocks

A bucket filled with rocks can hold up a tree, and it works for either a real tree or an artificial one. You can use any type of bucket, but a bigger tree may need a bigger bucket. To keep your tree stable, you should first stand the tree in the bucket, then fill in around it with rocks and gravel.

Can you put real Christmas trees outside? ›

You can place an outdoor tree on your front porch, the patio, or even in the yard! There are a few things to consider when deciding where to put your outdoor tree, though: If it's a tall tree, make sure the area is close enough to an outlet that you can run an extension cord ($5, Target) to the tree for lights.

How do you secure porch decorations from wind? ›

A plastic or cardboard decoration can be secured with a stake attached by duct tape to its back. If a piece is rather large and flimsy, drill or poke a few holes in it to allow wind to flow through; the holes will give the piece a better chance of remaining in place during strong wind gusts.

How do you weigh down outdoor Christmas decorations? ›

Another way to secure large Christmas lawn decorations is by weighing them down with bags of sand or gravel. Simply tie the bag to the inflatable decoration, using the tether rope or additional line. Anchor your inflatable in several spots to keep it steady during strong gusts. .

How do you anchor a tall Christmas tree? ›

Anchor it correctly

That's why it's a good idea to anchor your tree, Staron suggests. Stand it in the corner, and wrap fishing line around the trunk and then secure each end with hooks placed on the wall or windowsill. “They only leave pin pricks, and you can putty it later.

How do you stake a tree for high winds? ›

Trees planted on windy sites may need to be staked. This is done by placing two stakes on opposite sides of the trunk in the ground outside the original root ball. They should be placed perpendicular to the prevailing wind and attached to the trunk no higher than two-thirds the tree's height.

How do you make a tree wind barrier? ›

Typically, five rows of trees make an effective windbreak, starting with a row of dense shrubs, three rows of trees and a fifth row of flowering shrubs. If space is limited, stagger your planting and use fewer rows with less crowding. Even two rows of evergreens can provide protection.

How do you stake a tree to protect against wind? ›

Tips for Staking Trees in Windy Areas

The tree needs some flexibility and movement to grow strong. It is best to use at least two stakes. In high-wind areas, place them perpendicular to the prevailing wind. Place the ties or straps around the tree trunk so they are no higher than ⅔ of the tree's height.

What kind of tape do you use for outdoor Christmas lights? ›

Scotch or duct tape may seem like the easiest method for hanging holiday lights, but universal clips are a better choice for outdoor light jobs since, unlike tape, they won't retain moisture near your electric lights.

How do you protect outdoor Christmas lights from rain? ›

Place a Rain Block Weatherproof Gasket on the male connector of the light or decoration and firmly press the two together. The gasket will compress slightly and lock out water.

What do you put under a Christmas tree? ›

A Christmas tree stand will ensure water and sap stay away from the floor. Don't forget to protect the flooring from the stand! Be sure to add felt pads to the feet of the stand if you're placing it on hardwood. For added protection, add a drain tray underneath your Christmas tree stand.

How long can you keep a live Christmas tree outdoors? ›

Recycle your Christmas tree in the garden. With proper care, a typical evergreen tree should last four to five weeks before it dries out too much.

Can I keep my Christmas tree outside instead of inside? ›

Many people like to store their tree outside or in a garage for a few days before bringing it in. If you plan on storing your tree outside, stand it up in a bucket of water in the shade to keep it hydrated. You can also bring it inside into a garage or shed for extra protection.

How long do real Christmas trees last outside? ›

Fir and cypress trees are known to last for four to five weeks, while pine and spruce trees lose their needles more quickly. As an added bonus, fir trees also give off the wonderful Christmas tree scent that so many of us associate with the holidays!

How do you stick decorations to the outside of your house? ›

To protect your home's exterior from holiday havoc, follow the tips below:
  1. Hang Window Decorations with Hooks on Suction Cups. ...
  2. Use Hot Glue to Attach Garlands or Lights to Windows or Siding. ...
  3. Try Fishing Line Instead of Over-The-Door Hooks. ...
  4. Avoid Drilling Into Siding With Self-Adhesive Hooks.
22 Nov 2021

How do you weather proof outdoor decorations? ›

Use polyurethane or similar clear coats.

"Those will absolutely weatherproof your items," she explains. Just be sure to apply a thin, even coat if you go this route; polyurethane can look sticky or cloudy when applied in too-thick layers.

How do you secure Christmas decorations on a flat roof? ›

Once you've decided on the best spots to place your decorations, the most suitable solution is using plastic clips and ties rather than anything which causes permanent damage.

How do I weigh my Christmas decorations on my roof? ›

Some of the best inflatables use a wooden frame that can be placed on the roof to weigh down the decoration. Some people advise using sandbags to weigh down roof decorating objects. However, sandbags are tough to haul up to your roof, and provide so much weight they can damage roofing materials very easily.

How do you anchor down a tree? ›

Tie the tree using a wide, flexible material (like a cloth strap, rubber tubing, or even pantyhose) that is loosely tied. Don't use wire, nylon cord, or anything else that can bite into the bark. You may have seen people using rope or wire inserted into pieces of garden hose to tie a tree.

Does it hurt a tree to pound a nail in it? ›

Generally, no, something the size of a nail hammered into a tree won't hurt it. The nail would most likely be inserted about an inch to an inch and a half into the bark. "The tree should compartmentalize and heal the wound around it," says Grant Jones, technical advisor with Davey Tree Company in Kent, Ohio.

Should you drill a hole in the bottom of your Christmas tree? ›

Cut straight across, never at an angle or in a V-shape, because doing so reduces the amount of water available to the tree. It also makes it harder for the tree stand to hold the tree. And no matter what Uncle Joe told you, never drill a hole in the base of the trunk thinking it will help the tree draw up more water.

How do you weigh down outdoor inflatables? ›

Tip #2 - Weigh them Down

An easy way to keep your inflatables from blowing away is to weigh them down with sandbags or water jugs. If your inflatable has an opening in the back, you can stick the sandbag inside the inflatable. Be sure the sandbag is tied tightly before placing it in the inflatable.

How do you secure outside decorations? ›

Pound a rebar or metal stake into the ground directly behind your lawn decoration using a rubber mallet. Attach the decoration to the stake using sturdy rope or chain, preferably through holes or openings in the back of the decoration to hide them from view.

How do you secure outdoor roof decorations? ›

Tie or Weigh Down Inflatables

Don't put objects on a roof with a steep slope. You want a slope significantly less than 45 degrees. You can tie inflatables down using clips, twine, and objects around the roof. If these aren't strong enough to resist winter storms in your area, then you need to keep your roof clear.

How do you anchor an inflatable outdoor? ›

Use sand, gravel, or literal weights from your gym if they fit. Giant Inflatable Characters can be staked to the ground. The best way to do this is to drive a stake firmly into the ground and then tie the inflatable securely to the stake. You can also use sandbags or weights to make sure it stays put.

How much wind can inflatables handle? ›

Inflatables should not be used in winds exceeding 25mph and they of course need to be properly secured.

Should you leave inflatables up in the rain? ›

Watch the Weather

Allen suggests only inflating your decor on dry days, so when rain or snow is in the forecast, you should unplug the inflatables and take them inside to stay dry. "If your inflatable deflates in winter rain or snow, let it thaw completely before trying to inflate it again," he recommends.

How do I stop my porch decorations from blowing over? ›

A plastic or cardboard decoration can be secured with a stake attached by duct tape to its back. If a piece is rather large and flimsy, drill or poke a few holes in it to allow wind to flow through; the holes will give the piece a better chance of remaining in place during strong wind gusts.

How do I secure my roof decorations for Christmas? ›

How Do I Secure My Roof Decorations for Christmas? Use insulated hooks or clips designed for fastening Christmas roof decorations 100/m. You may utilize a bungee cord to attach your vintage plastic light-ups to the roof. Avoid decorations that are too heavy on your shingles.

How do you hang outdoor Christmas lights on the roof? ›

Try using plastic clips instead of nails or staples. Plastic clips are the easiest way for hanging Christmas lights on the roof. You can also use a staple gun to hold them in place, but that will also make them more time consuming to remove after Christmas.

How do you attach decorations to a tile roof? ›

Clips. Clips are lifesavers when it comes to hanging lighting or other decorations. You can avoid roof damage by making use of them to hold up your lights, without having to nail or glue anything down. These can even be clipped along your gutter to make it easier to display.

How do you hang things on outdoor trees? ›

For the actual hanging process, the best way to do it is with straps. Any kind of strong fabric or cordage will work, but we definitely really like using flat nylon webbing. You can even glue/sew/staple Velcro to the fabric, which allows you to strap it to the tree without any kind of invasive process for the tree.

How do you hang large Christmas ornaments outside? ›

To install the ornaments on the tree, use a twist tie to attach each ornament to the branches so they won't blow away with a strong wind, and also so that they're easy to remove once the season is over.

How do you hang garland around a front door without nails? ›

Try a Garland Hanger. If you're trying to figure out how to hang a garland outside the door without nails, then a metal garland hanger is the best solution. Balsam Hill garland hangers use spring tension, so there's no need to drill. They're also available for single and double doors.

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