This article was co-authored by Matt Bowman. Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Choosing a live Christmas tree over a cut one can be a rewarding, environmentally friendly decision. Not only do you get to enjoy a beloved holiday tradition, but you can replant the tree when you’re done and enjoy it for years to come.
Steps
Caring for Your Tree Indoors
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Check the root ball for damage. Move the tree gently side to side and be sure the root ball moves with the trunk as you do this. The base of the trunk should not move around inside the root ball, which is indicative of damaged roots.[1] If this is the case, you should not attempt to plant your tree because it is unlikely to survive.
- The only way to replant a Christmas tree is to purchase one that still has a root ball. You can't replant a cut Christmas tree.[2]
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Limit the amount of time your tree is indoors. Buy your living Christmas tree as close to Christmas as possible, and plant as soon as possible afterwards. The longer your tree stays inside, the more it’s exposed to drying conditions that will weaken it.
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Keep your tree in a cool spot. Near a window is best so it can still receive light and cool air, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Avoid putting it near a heating vent, fireplace, or stove.
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Keep the soil moist. Daily watering is necessary to keeping your tree healthy. Try putting ice cubes on top of the root ball daily to achieve a more gradual and steady watering as they melt.[5]
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Move your tree to a sheltered outdoor space. Allow your tree to acclimate back to the cold after spending 1-2 weeks inside your warm home. Place it outside, in a cool sheltered spot like a front or back porch and leave it there for about a week.[6]
- Continue watering it daily during this time.
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Choose an open, sunny planting spot. Research the type of tree you have and its growth potential. Make sure it won’t outgrow the spot you choose for it. Look for a sunny spot that’s several feet from your house or any fencing since roots and limbs could eventually cause problems for these structures.[7]
- Christmas trees tend to thrive best at higher altitudes, and they may not be as suited to an urban area.[8]
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Digging the Hole
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Dig the hole as early as possible in the season. In colder climates, the ground will freeze if you wait until Christmas to dig the hole, so plan ahead and do this in the fall.[9] If you’ve waited too long to dig and the ground is already frozen, try pouring boiling water onto the spot and then digging.
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Dig wide but not deep. Using a shovel, dig a hole twice as wide as the size of the root ball to give the roots a chance to spread.[10] But don’t go any deeper than the height of the root ball, since you don’t want it too far below the soil level. Having it slightly higher than the soil around it will help with drainage.[11]
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Save the soil you’re digging up. Don’t dispose of any of the dirt you dig out of the hole. You’ll be using this later to fill the hole back in. It can be left outside under a tarp or placed in a garage or shed.Advertisement
Planting Your Tree
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Remove root ball coverings. The root ball of your tree may have been wrapped in burlap or plastic, so be sure nothing remains wrapped around it when you’re ready to plant.[12]
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Place the tree in the hole. This may require two people depending on the size of your tree. Try to get it as close to centered as possible inside the hole you dug. Hold it upright so it doesn’t fall over before you can fill in the hole.
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Fill the hole back in. Shovel the soil you dug out of the hole back into the empty spaces around the root ball of the tree. Tamp the soil gently, but don’t pack it in tightly.[13]
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Water the newly planted tree. Moisten the soil around the tree with a hose or watering can. You do not need to use any sort of fertilizer – just plain water will do.
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Mulch around the tree. Add a couple inches of mulch around the base of the tree as an insulating layer.[14] You can also gather old leaves and place them on top of the soil for a similar effect.
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Monitor soil moisture. Observe the tree for the rest of the winter season. If your winter conditions are dry, occasionally water the tree to keep moisture near the roots. Once the spring growing season begins, water the tree regularly if you aren’t getting a lot of rain.[15]
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Stake your tree to keep it upright. Place one or two stakes around your tree – away from the roots but still within the mulched area. Tie the tree to the stakes using a flexible material like canvas straps. The stakes can be removed after about a year.Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow long can I keep my Christmas tree inside if I want to plant it outside after Christmas?Matt BowmanMatt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia.
Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & GardenThe only way to keep a Christmas tree ready to be planted outside is to purchase a tree with a root ball, and keep it inside for no more than 6 weeks. However, success can still be spotty, just due to wear and tear from decorating the tree and then the process of planting it outside. -
QuestionCan I plant a Christmas tree near my house?Community AnswerYes. Just make sure it's far enough from your house it won't destroy the foundation of your home.
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QuestionWill my tree survive if it's losing needles?Community AnswerLots of trees do lose needles, but most survive.
Video
Tips
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If you live in an apartment, or have no space to plant outdoors, you can buy a smaller sized living tree, plant it in a suitable container and keep it on the terrace, deck, or patio and bring it indoors for the following Christmas.Thanks
References
- ↑ http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2013/11/the-consumers-guide-to-caring-for-and-planting-a-live-balled-in-burlap-christmas-tree/
- ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.gardenista.com/posts/diy-plant-your-christmas-tree-in-the-garden/
- ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/christmas-trees/plant-your-christmas-tree.htm
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/choose-live-christmas-tree
- ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ http://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/trees/buying-a-christmas-tree-to-plant/
- ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/christmas-trees/plant-your-christmas-tree.htm
- ↑ http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/live-christmas-trees/
- ↑ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/christmas-trees/plant-your-christmas-tree.htm
- ↑ http://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/trees/buying-a-christmas-tree-to-plant/
- ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/choose-live-christmas-tree
- ↑ http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/live-christmas-trees/
About this article
To plant a living Christmas tree, move your tree to a sheltered outdoor area 1 to 2 weeks before planting. Then, dig a hole that’s twice as wide and just as deep as the tree’s root ball. Place your tree in the hole and secure it with the soil you dug up. Moisten the ground around the tree, then add 1 to 2 inches of mulch. To help it stay up, place 1 or 2 stakes around the tree, away from the roots, and tie them to the tree with canvas straps or another flexible material.
Reader Success Stories
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"Liked the details about how to plant out and care required to keep it in the best condition."