Trees of Life

From time immemorial, water and trees have been used to symbolise life. Inspired by that rich tradition, this delightful fountain is surprisingly easy to make!

Shopping List

2 x 2000 x 15 mm copper tubing (Class 1 BN), cut to the following lengths:
9 x 45 mm (trunk-joins or intermediates)
1 x 535 mm (trunk base)
2 x 180 mm (branch A)
2 x 210 mm (branch B)
1 x 280 mm (branch C)
2 x 290 mm (branch D)
1 x 270 mm (branch E)
1 x 380 mm (branch F)
1 x 230 mm (branch G)
1 x 120 mm (extender G)
1 x 200 mm (branch H)
1 x 100 mm (extender H)
Permaflo 3 core pump (620 l/hour)
12 x 15 mm brass stop-ends
11 x 15 mm brass tee-equal
260 x 970 mm circular pond basin (fiberglass)
240 x 360 mm glazed ceramic planter
3 bags of large stones
Water plants/grasses

Tools

Tubing cutter (3 – 28 mm), heavy-duty pipe bender, 250 mm vice-gripping pliers, electric drill, and 3 mm metal drill bit.

1:Use the tube cutter to cut the copper tube to the measurements indicated on the diagram.

2: Bend the ‘branch’ pieces using the heavy- duty pipe bender.

3: Assemble the ‘trunk’ by joining each 45 mm intermediate piece of copper tube, with a tee equal. DO NOT TIGHTEN the components yet.

4: Attach the trees branches, arranged according to the pattern in the diagram.

5: Spread the arms out to create a balanced tree structure, and use the vice-gripping pliers to tighten all the components. Attach the stop ends to the end of each branch, as well as to the top of the trunk.