Are you thinking about getting a living tree for Christmas this ye
ar? If you get a dug, and balled Christmas tree here are a few tips to ensure your tree will live through the new year.
When you purchase your tree leave it in an unheated but sheltered spot. If you want to be able to plant your tree after Christmas, go ahead and dig a hole. Save the dirt from the hole in a trash bag stored in a dry place. This will keep the soil from freezing when the weather turns cold.
About 10 days before Christmas place your tree in a garage, or closed in porch for about 3-4 days. While your tree is settling in check it over for bugs. If you find pests give it a quick spray with insecticidal soap.
Bring your tree into the house about 6 to 8 days before Christmas. Place the tree in the coolest part of the house possible, away from heat vents. Place the tree in a large plastic or galvanized tub. Water sparingly. You can spray the branches with an anti-wilt spray to keep the needles from drying out.
After Christmas remove your tree to its permanent home as quickly as possible. Place your tree in the hole you dug a few weeks ago and cover with the soil you’ve reserved. Now you have a great Christmas memory you can enjoy for many years to come.
[...] Live Christmas Tree Care [...]
[...] Mother Earth’s Garden has some advice for how to care for a live Christmas Tree. [...]
I am one for pine trees. If you do not like the bare spot left by the tree you can always plant flowers there. There are quite a few that thrive on the sap and acid created by the pine needles.
Just a note and my opinion.
Wait – then you have to rake pine needles for the rest of your life! Which, sucks. Pine needles also kill grass so you have a brown ugly bare spot under the tree in the yard.
I’m just saying – my pine tree in the yard is not my favorite thing.