tree mounting

[Boots]

I have to use a tree to mount a yard light. I there a safe way to mount to a tree that will not harm the tree?

[Arborsmith]

Lag bolts can be used after drilling a hole a little smaller than the bolt. When drilling the holes don't let the bit stop at all or it will get stuck due to water pressure. Expect the trees cambium to begin to swallow the mount and then the lamp, eventually if left long enough the whole lamp will be swallowed by the tree. Trees have to deal with having dead wood inside them all the time the metal of the bolts is no problem. Attach the lamp in anyway but don't wrap anything around the tree.

Good luck, Richard

[David Ross]

Don't tighten the bolts all the way. Leave a little slack. Check the slack about once every 2-3 months. When you see that the tree has grown enough to eliminate the slack, back the bolts out a little.

Similarly, leave and maintain slack for the conduit.