How can I create a fake "tree" on my front lawn?

Robyn Garner
by Robyn Garner
I love my garden and outdoor art such as wind chimes, rain chains, etc. My tree in the front lawn came down during Irma and now I have nothing to hang things from. icon

Looking for a way to create a strong faux tree using materials that will hold up to FlaDuh weather AND must be a way this 60-year-old woman can accomplish alone. A HUGE challenge to you all!

I've considered concrete, copper, etc. but need clear instructions how to make this strong, etc. without using specialized tools. Pictures would be very helpful.

I'm also open to actual real life help on this if anyone lives near Delray Beach. We could post the project back here. icon

  10 answers
  • Laura Laura on Jun 02, 2018

    Know a welder? I have seen cool ones made from rerod. You can put colored bottles on the end of each branch for color and safety. The texture of the metal will keep the cords from sliding. Hit up a tractor or farm craft sale. Lots of farm guys make them for sale. And no crappy live oak leaves! You can spray paint it too

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jun 02, 2018

      If I knew a welder "we" could do this! But, don't know one. This area doesn't have farm sales either.

      Great ideas though!

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Jun 02, 2018

    Think too about assorted sized shepherds-crooks. Or...


    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/81698180719876683/

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jun 02, 2018

      These sculptures are precisely what I have in my mind! Trouble is: need someone to dig holes to sink it into the ground AND someone to cut and weld/solder pieces together. Have any ideas???

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jun 03, 2018

      Nice...but the fake trees are not at all weatherproof so that won't work. They said: "This tree only lasted a week before it was completely droopy, so I would try to find better solutions to making it more stable." and that was indoors!

  • Lina Splichal Lina Splichal on Jun 02, 2018

    Visit garage sales for old Christmas trees. If the "needles" are nasty, flatten them against the "limb" and tape over them with duct or washi tape. Cover the main trunk in the same way. Paint if you like. Gorilla glue the "limbs" in place when assembling and use lawn or tent spikes to hold it in place in your yard. If you let the tape bunch or fold in places you will have "natural nodules" to keep your items in place on the "limbs".

  • Cheryl Gillman Cheryl Gillman on Jun 02, 2018

    I actually needed a bigger shepherds hook, so I took 2 and I used e6000 to glue them together, then I wrapped them in twine to give it extra security. You could probably do something like that just with thicker piping (pvc tubes (you can paint those any colour!!) Or copper pipes, or the industrial pipes!) And get some good glue that will make sure it stays firmly together, then use twine or some sort of rope/string and wrap it all the way around to give it extra hold!


    You could also "build a tree) with long pieces of wood, you can affix real branches and make it look like a real tree!

    • See 7 previous
    • Cheryl Gillman Cheryl Gillman on Jun 05, 2018

      Oh wow!! You should post a picture if you try it out!

      I actually just built a new "shephards hook" type thing where the whole thing is made from a thicker piece of branch and 2 shorter thinner pieces of branch nailed to It!

      There's so many things you can make with pvc and cement & branches!

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Jun 02, 2018

    I just looked up Metal Artists, Delray beach, fl on google. What little I know of Delray is $$$.

    So, there are a number of people listed, but also those in Pompano, etc. we’re I you, Id Google as I did, and try to find someone who lives in a lower rent district. even if you have to drive half and hour or so. Understand too that guys who make fences will often be thrilled to do something interesting.

    So, pick your design and print it out, decide how tall you want it, and get a few estimates. Odds are theset people know someone to dig your hole and cement in the iron/steel pole that should probably be at least 3-4 feet deep.

    if not, go to homeadvisors.com or thumbtack.com and explain exactly what you need and their contractors bid on it. They do vet their contractors.

    You do know this won’t be cheap, but it will be fabulous and happy.

    God bless and good luck.

    • See 3 previous
    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jun 05, 2018

      A curtsy for liking my intelligent email lol! I also asked that they send my request to the art instructors in case any of them are interested/have a sculpture class. Haven't heard back from anyone yet.

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Jun 03, 2018

    Yesterday I wrote a lengthy suggestion about finding a Metal Artist in your area using Google. I suggested you not stay real local, as you’re in an expensive tourist area.

    Even check people who Make fences, as they’re artist in their own right and might enjoy your project. They would also know how to secure it into the ground.

    Well, I’m disconcerted if you didn’t get that, but hope this is helpful.

    • See 1 previous
    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jun 03, 2018

      btw - I DID use google to find welders, trade schools, etc. as you suggested.

  • Deb Deb on Jun 03, 2018

    try a shepherd's hook.

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Jun 03, 2018

    That makes me so happy.

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jun 05, 2018

      Oh I am so happy you are happy! Now - what made you happy? I'll do it again hee hee!

  • Linda Hart Linda Hart on Jun 05, 2018

    Wire form and vines.