Before I spend the $20, I need ideas....

[mom-from-missouri]

I have found Christmas tree storage bags on ebay, with shipping they will run around $20. Does anyone have an idea of how I can avoid this cost? My tree box is shot. It was falling apart (wasn't the right box for the tree anyway) and was beyond duct tape repair. My tree is 9 foot, with lights on it (it was a frugal choice at the time, because it was $299 tree, but I got it several years ago AFTER christmas-it was the floor model for $29). Now that I have moved, it will be kept in the barn, hung from the loft. It needs to be completely covered. Don't suggest trash bags, they won't even fit it, and the branches would poke thru it. I'd rather have a large cavas bag(s), (but to buy the cavas and zippers would be more than the $20 from ebay). The tree is in 4 sections, and no way to hang a box in the barn-besides the cardboard would not hold up. It will have to be protected from dust, birds/mice and slight moisture. No, it can't go in my attic, unless I con my DH into cutting the access hole bigger....There is no room in the basement, and its too big to put under beds or anywhere else in the house.
This was not an issue as at my old house it went in the storage shed I had for holiday dectorations and the mower. But, I left the shed there with the renters, and its on a foundation and can't be moved anyway. (and no, I am not going to get another $1400 shed for a $29 tree...)

[rob62521]

I understand your dilemma. What about a couple big plastic tubs with covers to store the tree in? Could you figure out a way to hang them with ropes or straps?

[mom-from-missouri]

I did find some, but they are $12 each, and not big enough to hold the bottom section. I think I am just stuck getting the bag thing, but when I look at them, they just don't look very sturdy, probably will only last a year or two. I could probably reinforce them with duct tape from day one and get another year out of it.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

A refrigerator box from an appliance store? A couple old sheets sewn together? A disposable painter's tarp or two? Those birght blue nylon canvasses that people cover boats or firewood with? The heavy duty plastic sheeting that new sofas come covered in? Some old curtains from Goodwill?

[mom-from-missouri]

The tree weighs over 100 lbs. I tried to sew some painters cloths, but the weight of the tree rips it (It will be hanging--on the ground in the barn either it will get stepped on, eaten, or run over). Plastic also ripped. I tried to wrap in plastic and make a "sling" from a tarp to hold it, but again, the tarp ripped at the rivents-they are designed to cover, not to hold heavy objects. We don't do cardboard in the barn. It attracts bugs and birds. I almost need something like large oversized mailbags. I may check out the government surplus store to see what they may have....

[getforfree]

You can buy some thick plastic kinda like ones that walmart has in rolls in the sewing dept. Than make bag out of it. You can "sew" it by folding it and placing in between 2 pieces of wood with about 1/3 inch of plastic sticking out and use candle fire to glue it together. That way you can make a bag of any size. Don't know how much the plastic will cost per yard, they have different kinds.

[s.saver]

We keep our tree in plastic garbage cans. Works well for us

[scfr]

My favorite on-line site for storage & organizational solutions that don't break the bank is www.stacksandstacks.com
I just checked and they have Christmas Tree storage bags for $9.99 plus shipping. If you live in the USA (except military address, Hawaii, or Alaska) shipping will run you $5.70 for a total of $15.69. They carry two bags for $9.99; the one that is 4 inches longer is temporarily out of stock, but the shorter one is in stock.

[mom-from-missouri]

I think I like the plastic garbage can idea. I would pay more, but, they won't rip up or break, and even if a handle broke off, it could still hold grain, and they are mouse and bird proof after the lid is on....I have about 4 feet to play with (hanging room) before I interfere with space needed for the tractor and all. I never thought of hanging them, but easily could with large hooks! See, thats why I posted it on here, I knew you all would come up with something.

[s.saver]

Anytime I can be of help