There's a knack to installing your tree in the stand. The easiest way is to start with the tree lying down. Make sure the spikes in the base are lined up with the stump. Tighten the arms, but not too much, just enough to hold onto the truck when you stand it up. Then, as you put the base on the ground, you can see if the tree is straight, give it a twist if needed and it will straighten itself. Then lift the tree and drop it down so the stump pierces the spikes. Tighten the arms up to hold firml

‘Hook on and forget it’: Tree stand safety tips that could keep you alive, walking

Tree Stand Safety: Using a Climbing Tree Stand Safely