Have Yourself a Living Christmas Tree

If you're anything like me, you hate the thought of getting a live tree each holiday season only to throw it out once it's over. That's why many of us choose to have a living Christmas tree instead. What's the difference? A live tree has been "cut" and must be placed in a tree stand where you'll care for it with water throughout the holidays-usually no longer than four weeks, at which time you must toss the tree as it's already dying anyway. A living Christmas tree includes the root ball, which may be burlap wrapped or in its own container. It is kept indoors only for a short period-usually no longer than ten days, preferably less. Once the holidays have ended (or it's time indoors is up), the tree is slowly reintroduced to an outdoor environment where it can then be planted and kept year round.

So you've opted for a living Christmas tree, now what? Following its gradual acclimation to an indoor setting (about three to four days) and its placement in the coolest part of your home (preferably), you need only to keep the tree moist until it goes back outside. However, take care not to water it too much, as this could bring the tree out of its dormancy. It's a good idea to have a planting hole ready for the tree beforehand, especially if your region is prone to freezing temperatures (this will make digging the ground more difficult if not impossible). When the tree is ready to go outside, generally right after Christmas, you'll have to again acclimate the plant by placing it in the garage (or carport) for a week or two. Once this transitional period is over, you can plant your living Christmas tree. Remove the burlap covering or take it from its container (whatever the case may be) and carefully place the tree in the pre-dug hole. Try to keep the root ball level with or slightly above the ground when planting.

Try to keep the tree as straight as possible while backfilling with the excavated soil. Tamp down the soil as you go to eliminate any air pockets that may be present. Be sure to water the tree thoroughly and apply at least a two- to three-inch layer of mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and insulate the roots. However, keep this mulch about an inch or so from the trunk itself. That's it. Generally, once the tree becomes well established, Mother Nature will take care of the rest. You will then have a beautiful evergreen tree in your landscape that you can decorate each holiday season while providing year-round interest throughout the remaining days (and years). No more throwing away those holiday trees.

Resources: personal experience