Artificial Christmas Tree Stand Replacement: Match the Pole Size

To replace an artificial Christmas tree stand, measure the diameter of the bottom section of the tree’s center pole, then buy a stand whose listed pole range includes that size and whose height rating covers your tree. Many trees use a 1.25-inch pole, but larger trees often need a stand that takes up to about 2 inches.

Measuring an artificial Christmas tree pole

An artificial Christmas tree pole is measured across its diameter at the bottom section, the part that drops into the stand. Use calipers if you have them, or a tape measure held straight across the end of the pole. Measure where the stand’s screw will grip, because poles can differ between sections.

Note two more things while the tree is apart. First, the shape of the pole end: some are flat and some are pointed, and Balsam Hill lists its universal rolling stand as taking both, with a stabilizer for pointed poles. Second, the tree’s full height, since every stand is rated for a range of tree heights.

Reading an artificial tree stand’s fit range

Artificial tree stand listings give a pole diameter or a range, and a tree height. The figures below come from maker and retailer listings; they show how much the ranges differ.

A stand that fits the pole but is rated for a shorter tree is not a safe match. A tall, decorated tree needs the wider base made for its height.

Replacement stands for artificial trees

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• Folding metalBrowse →
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Choosing between folding, rolling and universal stands

Artificial Christmas tree stands come in three common forms, and the choice depends on how you set up and store the tree.

• Folding metal stands are the usual replacement for a lost or bent stand. The National Tree Company 36-inch model, as Walmart lists it, is steel and holds the pole with a thumb screw, and the company’s folding stands fold flat for storage.
• Rolling stands let you move a fully decorated tree. National Tree Company’s 32-inch folding stand adds wheels that all lock. Wheels raise the tree a little, so check the stand’s height against your ceiling.
• Universal stands list a wider pole range. They suit a tree whose original stand is long gone and whose pole size falls between the common sizes.

If only part of the old stand failed, check for spares before replacing the whole thing. Balsam Hill sells replacement parts for its own trees, including tree stand keys and rubber feet for the stand.

Why a new stand is worth it for an old tree

An artificial Christmas tree has to be used for several seasons before it compares well with buying a cut tree each year. Writing for Michigan State University, forestry professor Bert Cregg describes an industry-commissioned life-cycle study that put the break-even point at 4.7 years, and his advice is to plan to reuse or recycle whichever tree you choose. Our guide to real vs artificial Christmas trees compares the other life-cycle studies. A broken stand is a small part to replace; throwing out a working tree because of it cuts those years short.

The same applies to the tree’s other weak points. Store the sections dry and protected between seasons, and replace a failed part rather than the whole tree when the branches are still sound.

Tree collars to hide a replacement stand

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• Wicker and rattanBrowse →
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Hiding a mismatched artificial tree stand

A replacement artificial tree stand rarely matches the old one, and a folding metal base is plain to look at. A tree collar or a skirt covers it. A collar is a rigid ring of wicker, metal or wood that keeps its shape year after year; check the inside diameter against the stand’s footprint before you buy. Our Christmas tree collars guide covers sizes and materials.

For stands for real trees, see Christmas tree stands, and for a stand that turns the tree, rotating Christmas tree stands. To keep the tree and its new stand in good shape between seasons, see artificial Christmas tree storage. For other trees that last, see alternative Christmas trees and living Christmas trees in pots, or start at the eco-friendly Christmas hub.