How to Make a Flagpole Christmas Tree

Christmas is just around the corner and you’ve already started envisioning your grand Christmas decorations all over your home. This year, we’re going to help you learn how to make a flagpole Christmas tree and have all the neighbors’ eyes on your Christmas lights!

Here is what you need to know and what you need to buy to turn your flagpole into one giant festive Christmas tree.

Let the Old Glory Fly

Before we move further with the explanations, let’s just clear the air by saying we shall describe how to make a flagpole tree while the flag is still on the flagpole. You’ll just have the flag at the top instead of a Christmas star.

Do the Christmas Shopping

How many lights exactly you need translates into how long you need the light strand to be. 

When leaving a flag on the pole, that means that you’ll need a line of lights from the top to bottom, so it should be ¾ of the pole length. However, also bear in mind the width of your future “tree”, and add those feet to the calculation.

By the way, while at the hardware store, remember to buy a carabiner to put the light lines through.

Mark the Area Around the Pole

For this, you’ll need a couple of stakes and a hammer. Take as many stakes as many “branches'' you wish for your tree to have.

Use a tape to measure the length from the pole to the spot for the stake, i.e. to find the right length for the lines. Insert the stake into the ground, and then go back to the flagpole. Use the measuring tape to find the right position, and double back the line while going back to the pole. You can try to make six lines and the last one should double back the first double back line.

Lower the Flag and Add the Lights

After you’ve set the positions and removed outer stakes, lower the flag so you can hang your holiday lights.

Hold the flag downwards after lowering. You want to find the spot where the flag brushes the bottom of the hoisting rope. That precise spot is perfect for attaching a carabiner that will be holding the lights.

Having attached the carabiner, you should take out the center stake. Pull the light lines through the carabiner system. Then, lock the carabiner to secure the lights.

Lastly, raise the flag slowly as the light lines start coming toward the flagpole.

Final Adjustments

Now it’s time to re-stake the lights. If needed, you can readjust the lines for a more appealing look. Connect the original light line to the electrical extension cord, and you should have your Christmas tree ready.

As a final touch, you can add a timer to the lights as well.

Happy holidays!

Source:

http://www.flagrunners.com/2013/12/diy-how-to-make-holiday-flagpole-with.html