An upright tree stand includes a base pole section with a support pad, an intermediate pole section or sections, a lowermost one of which is connected to the base pole section by a knuckle hinge, and a top pole section. The top pole section is provided with a top securement assembly which utilizes a self-tapping screw and a remotely operable, dual-action ratchet wrench. The base pole section is initially secured to a tree. The intermediate pole section or sections and the top pole section are then swung, about the knuckle hinge, into an upright position. This movement is accomplished with sufficient force to embed the tip of the self-tapping screw into the tree. Operation of the dual-action ratchet wrench, remotely from the ground, will accomplish the positive securement of the top of the upright tree stand to the tree while the user remains safely on the ground.
