DALLAS, Oct 9, 2000/ FW/ --- Tired of using traditional Christmas trees in your store? Or, you just don't want to give up anymore selling space than you have to during this busy shopping season?

Topiary trees might be the answer for your needs. You can make them into different heights.

Different sizes of premade "christmas tree" styrofoam cone are availabe at your local craft store.

Topiary trees are easier to decorate also. Use christmas balls or stars, add some christmas lights if you feel like it.

Otherwise, you can just display them the way they are.

Materials needed

• styrofoam cones (available at your craft store such as Ben Franklin. Some of them already have the twig/branch built in.)
• branch(optional, needed only if the styrofoam cone did not come with it)
• flower pots
• bung moss or spanish moss
• wire netting or chicken wire
• florist scissor

• pliers
• glue gun
• nylon reinforced plaster
• sharp knife
• wire
• anchor tape (to secure foam and moss)
• U-pins (make U-pins by cutting 18 or 22 gauge stem wire into 3-4" lenght and bend them in half)

1. Fill a pot 3/4 full with nylon reinforced plaster or quick drying plaster. Put the main trunk (tree branch) in the middle of the pot. Allow time to set. (If you have a topiary styrofoam cone with the trunk pre-built, put the topiary trunk in the middle of the pot.)
2. If the styrofoam cone did not come with the branch pre-built, use a sharp knife to make a snug hole inside the styrofoam cone. Insert the branch. Set with quick-drying plaster if needed.
3. Cut a hole the same diameter as the trunk and around 2" (5 cm) deep in the topiary cone.
4. Cut a piece of wire netting or chicken wire large enough to cover the cone. Wrap around the cone, keeping the hole clear of wire.
5. Squeeze some hot glue into the hole (topiary cone) and push the cone into the trunk. Leave to dry.
6. Thread wire through the netting (chicken wire) and around the trunk to secure it. Twist the ends tightly.

1. If using bung moss, trim away the root portion with a florist scissor. This will make the bung moss easier to fit to the cone surface and easier to glue.
2. Squeeze glue from the glue gun onto the underside of the moss. Place clumps together onto foam as close as possible.
3. Use U-pins if needed. (U-pins are a must if using spanish moss.
4. Decorate with miniature balls using U-pins or hot glue. Add Christmas lights if desired.