I think the problem with leaving them out has to do with the fact that the tree expands this time of year. If you have the stand tight (which you must do to use it) and the tree starts to grow in the spring then this will tighten it up further. Not only will this make it harder to get off but it will put a lot of stress on the metal where the straps attach. I don't know if this will cause a problem right away for if it would take until later in the summer to be an issue. Just my 2 cents.