Super Strings And Weak Bushes

[jbzeus]

Hi All,

I have some evergreen bushes on the north side of the house that are not overly sturdy. Last year was the first year using multiple color superstrings. The bushes kind of took a beating from the weight of the super strings. Haven't seen this topic after lurking for a couple of years. Anyone have a solution or idea to keep from trashing the bushes?

Thanks,

Jeff

[JBullard]

I wouldn't do it if you are worried about the bushes lol maybe build a pvc support structure

[Steven]

JBullard wrote:

maybe build a pvc support structure

That's right, an exoskeleton!

[jimswinder]

Steven wrote:

JBullard wrote:

maybe build a pvc support structure

That's right, an exo-skeleton!

Was this for a Christmas or Halloween Display??

[TJ Hvasta]

Just wondering.. what are the SS's made out of??!! How about a mini-bush? PVC up the center, splay the strings around like a mega-tree..

[jbzeus]

Hmmm... Mini bush. Maybe that's what I need to do.

The superstrings are four strands of incandescent mini lights. I can't remember for sure but I think it's two lengths of 100 count end to end. Once you get two sets of four strings together it gets kind of heavy for the bushes. The end is a pyramidal yew ( 'bout four and a half foot tall) and the others are round yews ('bout two foot around) I had thoughts of making a wire cage (kind of like a barrel shape) and attaching the lights to that but the wifey didn't think that would look good. I was thinking of using green fencing like many folks use for talking pumpkins.

This was the Christmas display last year. Looking at this coming year.

[Denise Brunner]

What I do is buy the thin green bamboo plant supports and put them around the outside of the bush. Then zip tie the lights to the supports as I wrap the weakened bush. Worked well for me last year

[CaptainCook]

Another suggestion.. I use fence wire from Home Depot. This is a single strand of about 5/32" wire, 150' long and comes in a roll about 2' in diameter and is used for putting up chain link fence.

I cut it into about 6' lengths, put two 90 degree bends in it making an arch that goes over the bushes. I have one of these about every two to three feet along the length of the shrubs and tie wrap the lights to them where they cross. I hope you followed my description. PVC is our friend but even 1/2" PVC is too obtrusive over the shrubs and in our flower beds where we still have growth at Christmas. The fence wire is stiff and doesn't need to be painted as with PVC.

I use a combination of the fence wire and 3/4" pvc for 8' Robolini palms which can not support regular mini-lights much less super strings. 4' of PVC at the bottom (hidden by other foliage) supporting a fence-wire 'cage' (with tie wraps) supporting the lights amoung the fronds.

It also comes in handy for welding figures for my display.

Warning: you will need bolt cutters (or a hacksaw) to cut the stuff.

[Surfing4Dough]

For such types of bushes I don't put the lights on as superstrings, but rather put each color on separately. It kinda helps to spread the load and helps hold the bush together.