A first instruction is provided to add the contents of a container to the reservoir bowl portion of a tree stand, where the material includes an amount of a SuperAbsorbent Polymer (SAP). A second instruction is provided to add ice. In one example, an assembly includes a container, where the SAP is in the container, and where the container bears the instructions. This assembly is provided to the user. The user follows the instructions, and pours the contents into the reservoir bowl, and then adds ice to the reservoir bowl. The melting ice hydrates the SAP. The hydrated SAP then transfers moisture to a cut tree held by the stand. Water is replenished by adding more ice. No water must be poured or handled to hydrate the tree, so spilling and difficulties associated with pouring volumes of water into the bowl portion are avoided. The SAP is reusable and biodegradable.
