Thread: X-mas tree w/ cinderblocks question

I don't go to the big box stores to buy materials I need. If I buy a pallet load they will load it on my truck but want $65 for the pallet, so another trip to get my money back. A small amount, I have to load it on a cart then load it in the truck. That can be a few handlings of the material to get it where it's needed for the last time. I can call the local mom n pop materials yard, have it delivered, a forklift on the truck to place where I want it for the same price.

We have a local cement block maker who fishes and in return for locations sells us "2cnds" (blocks with imperfections) for 50 cents a piece, but who counts them like a wise bait shop `counts` a dozen minnows...his crew (who ALSO fish) will help load them...we once paid for 50 and left with 75+...

Ok, feedback time after putting in 14 xmas trees last month. First, one cinderblock is plenty of weight for any tree 5-12 feet tall. Two, its best to pre-tie rope on the cinderblocks before getting out on the water, one less thing to mess with. Three, I was lazy and didn't feel like drilling holes in the bases. This isn't required but if you are tying onto the trunk without drilling, make sure to tie it more than one branch up. Wasn't paying attention and tied one a little low and as soon as I tossed it over, it broke off the bottom branch and I lost a cinderblock. I had to re-tie another one and down she went. I secured all mine at the base, they were all still siting upright when I left them, going back next week so I'll be curious if they have laid down or are still floating upright. I put out rows on 3-4 trees, I have some good solid cover as I added this to another area on a flat that I already had trees on. Have a few more to sink but this spot was already productive with the original trees, now its going to be great.

Nice Rex....our lake should be completely open and free of ice after this upcoming weekend, we can get to work for one last MASSIVE drop! Then we all are just going to sit back and enjoy for a while, after 7 years of dropping cover, we all need a break!

Yep, I'm excited about this round of trees. They are in a nice good ole mud flat off of some other trees. I should be able to fish crank baits right over the top of the trees.

Just ENSURE the trees are tied TIGHTLY to the block, especially with nylon rope. If not, wave action can chaffe the rope and eventually cut it, ok ?

Originally Posted by Lowellhturner

Just ENSURE the trees are tied TIGHTLY to the block, especially with nylon rope. If not, wave action can chaffe the rope and eventually cut it, ok ?

Yep, I hear ya. Luckily all my drops are on our lakes at the ranch so if one comes loose, the only boat traffic they will encounter is a paddleboat. Also, due to the nature of the terrain around the lakes, it doesn't get as windy as a wide open reservoir.

Originally Posted by Lowellhturner

We have a local cement block maker who fishes and in return for locations sells us "2cnds" (blocks with imperfections) for 50 cents a piece, but who counts them like a wise bait shop `counts` a dozen minnows...his crew (who ALSO fish) will help load them...we once paid for 50 and left with 75+...

I perfer to find where a house is being torn down and many times I can get used blocks for free for the asking. Local saw mill saves scrap boards for me . PLastic buckets are easy to get at some stores and resturants. I give away most of my catches and take folks fishing that offer free materials .( used blocks , ties, wood stakes, buckets and ect.)