Patent ID: 7765736

Claim:
A combined tree supporting and watering stand for maintaining a tree at a vertical position while supplying a predetermined quantity of water to the tree, said combined tree supporting and watering stand comprising: a base removably positioned on a ground surface; a vertical member directly coupled to said base and extending upwards therefrom; a support member directly connected to said vertical member and extending perpendicularly away therefrom; a power strip removably attached to said vertical member for providing an electric power source to a plurality of decorative lights positioned on the tree; means for automatically watering a stalk of the tree during an extended period of time, said automatic watering means being suspended from said support member; and, means for supporting the tree at an elevated vertical position above the ground surface, said tree supporting means being anchored to said support member; wherein said automatic watering means comprises: a water reservoir attached to said support member and further being suspended at an elevated height above the ground surface; a water receptacle removably attached to the stalk of the tree, said receptacle being in fluid communication with said reservoir; a flexible tube having opposed ends directly mated to said reservoir and said receptacle such that said tube selectively delivers water from said reservoir to said receptacle, said receptacle being locate downstream of said reservoir; and, said receptacle including a float valve operably attached to a distal end of said tube, said float valve having a float operably coupled thereto wherein said float rises when a water level increases within said receptacle, said float falling when the water level decreases within said receptacle, said float cooperating with said float valve in such a manner that said float valve opens and closes when the water level falls below and rises above a predetermined threshold respectively; and, wherein said receptacle is suspended in mid-air and thereby spaced above said base while remaining vertically aligned subjacent to said tree supporting means.