White Springs, FL: The growth cycle of a Holiday Pole Tree

This is our second year working on the holiday light show at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.  And, it is difficult to say what is the most fun: building pole trees, decorating the grounds, greeting guests, or simply enjoying the light show called the Festival of Lights.  Anyway you look at it, this volunteer gig is a win-win situation.

Festival of Lights Promo Picture

One of the fun decorations is building the pole trees.  Well, this year we built about ten trees from 6' to 27' in height.  The operation is basically the same regardless of the size... except with trees over 10' it is best to have a high lift or bucket truck.

Pole trees are not much different from other bare root stock plants.  You plant the bare root bulb, water it, wait, and after a short time it sprouts leaves which result in dense foliage and perhaps fruit.  Same with pole trees.

First you "plant" the tree

So, the first step is to decide on the appropriate location which involves considering the space and electrical capacity available, tree height, and other near by decorations.  Next you gather the tools into a truck before heading to the build site.  The tools include: rope, stakes, pole, level, shovel, post hole digger, lights, extension cords, power cords, ladder or high lift.  

Here Bill works on the 27' tree

At the site you dig the hole and plant the bare root stock.  Then tamp it down as you fill in the hole while verifying the tree is straight, use the level for this job.  Next step is to pound stakes into the earth at somewhat equidistant locations from the base in a circle. 

Mark the perimeter and install stakes

Now were are making progress.  You connect the power cord to the electrical outlet, drag it to the base of the tree, and then add an extension chord or three-way plug.  Now you re-check the light strands to insure they work as you connect about four into a long strand.  Be certain to secure the connected ends with a loop or knot so they will not slip loose.  After you assemble a couple of strands it is time to build the tree.   

After several days the tree sprouts

Wrap one end of the light strand around a stake, feet the line to the top where you wrap the light strand around the pole and pass it down the opposite site to another stake.  Then wind the light strand to the next stake and repeat the process.  After a bit you have a completed pole tree and the bare root has sprouted leaves.  Wait until evening, turn on the lights and you will find an amazing display as the tree blooms.

And eventually it blooms

There you have it, the growth cycle of a pole tree.