In preparation for the return of the Mega Tree I decided to construct a new base for the tree. In previous years I mounted the tree using two 2x10’s that were lap jointed together to make large X. I then bolted a wall flange to the pieces of wood to which I attached a piece of black pipe. It all worked but I wasn’t happy with the way it looked and I wasn’t 100% sure about the stability.

For 2011 I decided to make a permanent base by digging a hole about 38 inches deep. I then poured 4 – 80 lbs bags of cement in the hole, threw in a couple of pieces of rebar and then inserted 4 – 10 inch lag bolts.  The top of the cement was poured about 4-5 inches from ground level so that I could put soil on top and replace the grass so that the base is not seen when it is not in use. When it comes time to setup the tree I will remove the top few inches of grass/soil over the cement/bolts and bolt the tree to the base(Pictures to follow when that happens).

The hole is about 38 inches deep and 16 inches in diameter.

4 – 1/2 inch X 10 inch lag bolts mounted to a piece of wood for stabilization while the cement cured.

The cement and lag bolts.

The day after I poured the cement I removed the nuts and the wood and then put tape over the bolt threads and filed in the rest of the hole with soil.