Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

All,
My son is interested in hanging a tree upside-down from the ceiling this year. Apparently, this is an old European tradition that dates back to the 12th century.

Would any of you have any suggestions as to how to do this? We have a sheet rock ceiling with 2X6 beams, 16" on center.

Thank you for any suggestions,
Jane

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Just make sure you put something underneath it, lest you have hundreds of pine needles raining on you (assuming a real tree) ::safety::

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Fake.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Helium filled decorations?

Perhaps just holding your camera upside down during the holidays will make you think that the tree, and the whole family as well, spent Christmas on the ceiling?

They sell upside down fake Christmas trees that'd be simpler.

If you're using an existing fake tree that gets assembled, then you'll have to wire the separate sections together, otherwise you'll end up with half a tree on the ceiling come Christmas morning...

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

What is the knot-tying ability in the family?

I'd most likely go with a hook or two in a beam right over your normal tree location, then run a rope/pulley system to hoist the tree, or tie the tree to the hook by going up a ladder. If you need extra reinforcement, put a section of 2x6 on either side of the affected point.

The attachment to the tree is the tough part. If you have a good knot-tier in the family, just tie the rope to the trunk (and let him/her choose the right knot!). Otherwise, put an eyebolt into the base and attach the rope that way.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

I would think a few of these would do.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

It is a very simple 4-step process:

1. Place the tree firmly in a traditional tree stand, and tighten all the fasteners and mounting hardware so the tree can not come out of the stand.

2. Nail the tree stand firmly to the floor.

3. Nail the house firmly to a very large lazy susan that has been mounted vertically in the side yard.

4. Rotate the lazy susan 180 degrees.

We are always here to help. Let us know if you need anything else.

-dave



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Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Perhaps the family could simply do headstands on Christmas ?

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

OK, in all seriousness:

A large screw-eye or hook into one of the 2x6 joists will do fine. The 1/4" hole it leaves behind can be filled in with spackle, or leave the hook for next year. Painted ceiling color, it is hardly visible.

You cannot support a 30 pound tree from the sheetrock, but the 2x6 will handle that just fine.

The tree can probably get a hook or screw-eye into the end as well, or wrap rope around the trunk in a double spiral (opposite directions) for about 2 feet, it will grip the tree easily and firmly. This image or This image will give you the general idea.

As mentioned, be sure the tree is assembled such that it does not rely on gravity (in the usual direction) to hold it together.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Or use it for potted plants or a hanging decoration the rest of the year. My family house has about 4-5 hooks in various places in two different ceilings that sometimes get used for different items.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Jane,
Our fake tree has a large dowel running up the middle to which all the branches attach. It would fit into the tree stand either way. However, gravity keeps all the branches in place. I am not sure they would stay put in an inverted position.
A quick search showed that manufacturers have been making inverted trees for a few years. Although the practice started in the middle ages in Europe, it appears to be more of a floor space saving effort than anything else. Those consumers who have used them in recent times, like the fact that ornaments are more visible.
A simple attachment can be made once the position of a beam is determined. A screw eye or other threaded device for wood would make a small hole in the ceiling and could be used throughout the year for a hanging basket or planter.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Our initial reason is the dogs. We have sizes XL through S. They are all very young and this would be the first tree for all of them.

XL is the one who could eat the tree in one bite. L and M are the ones who would mangle/destroy/create chaos with the tree in no time flat. S is the one who would bat the ornaments around, steal them, and hide them under the bed. My days of crawling under the bed to retrieve toys and hidden treasure are over. At least I hope they are.

Thanks for the suggestions and the humorous comments, all. Well, almost all.

Jane

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Buy a tree from Australia. It should arrive inverted.

Just don't try to flush any of the needles - your toilet may explode.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Yes. Very carefully!

:)

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Jane,

When you get to hanging this tree, please be sure to play this song.

Have fun,
Andy

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

When dealing with pets who like to have fun with the tree, your best bet is to try to train them to stay away from it. With my family's cats, we'd put small bells around the bottom of the tree. If we heard jingling, a chase would ensue, to the accompaniment of "Bad cat! Bad! Aahh! Bad cat!"

Or, in this case, put bells at the top of the tree...:p

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

"Would you be prepared if gravity suddenly reversed itself?"

Sounds like Jane is just being prepared.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Precisely, exactly.

There are people in my house that think along the lines of a certain Mr. Lavery and his very large vertical lazy susan suggestion. I do want to be somewhat assured that I will still have a semblance of a ceiling remaining following the hanging of the upside-down tree. Assurance is a good thing. Your photo is not helping with that. :)

Eric - you are using rational thinking. That does not necessarily apply to my marvelous but bouncy pups.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Send pictures :D

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Hide a fake squirrel in the very top with its head poking out -- they'll stare at the tree for hours :D

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

XL = Fox Hound
L = Coon Hound
M = Queensland Heeler (they don't understand gravity)

I have many stories of live squirrels in the top of trees poking their heads out and what XL, L, and M are capable of.

You, too, are not helping. :) Well, that's not true. You are helping me understand that they are capable of demolishing a tree hung from the ceiling. hm...

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

My master hung this tree upside down so I would not get in any trouble.

Squirrel!!!

Hi there.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Perhaps if you hung the pets from harnesses attached to the ceiling instead.
Sort of like live "walk-the-dog" yo-yos :yikes:

I can envision them all swaying to-and-fro...
the cat batting at the dogs...

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Hmmm... I wonder what it would take to teach the critters to not take the tree down...

Maybe insulation-less wiring on/around the tree?

And I think Mr. Forbes has better things to do than sit at the "top" of a tree as hound bait.:p:p:D:D

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Well since its a fake tree, just put it together the "wrong" way. No holes, no lazy susans needed.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Depends on the tree, Conor. My family's fake tree (which we've used about as long as I can remember) has two sections and a stand. The branches fold upwards for storage/space when we're done with it. It's impossible to put together wrong...

If using that type of tree, you'll also need to make sure the branches stay up. Wedges or fishing line tying the branches together and to the top rope would work for that.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

And keep in mind that a main reason is that 3 of us really would like to see what an up-side down tree would look like. The 4th person is the one who might not keep the ceiling intact as much as I would like but will go along with the idea and try to help.

I think I like the idea of a readymade upside-down tree that we can attach to the ceiling.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

that's what I was thinking, too.....

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Plant an acorn in your ceiling.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Somebody teach the boy the difference between deciduous and conifer.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

So... to get back on track a bit -

What if we attach a type of ring/rim to the base of the tree and hang the tree to the ceiling from that? It could be a spinner type base so that the tree could be turned. Yes? No?

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

That makes sense. I would put some sort of a pad (foam, carpet, etc.) between the ring/rim and the ceiling, in order to minimize any damage to the ceiling.

Also, for those assembled branches that may or may not fall out if assembled upside down, you may be able to use zip ties to hold each one in place. The zip tie may also help clamp the branch so that it's pointed up instead of hanging down.

AB

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

I also heard that while you are putting this said tree up, you can use this to keep your dogs at bay.

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Where is Billy Mays and Mighty Putty when you need them? :D

I'd consider some sort of flat base with a pole sticking up and attaching the tree trunk along side of that. Maybe a wee extra anchor in the ceiling if you don't mind patching a small hole...

Re: Question Regarding How To Hang A Christmas Tree From The Ceiling
 

Just remember that rule <C25> says that you cannot use a zip tie longer than 18" to secure a Christmas tree to a roof beam.