Tips for Maintaining a Living Christmas Tree
A living Christmas tree is not only environmentally friendly and fragrant, but its greatest benefit is that it can be recycled year after year.
“Keep a tree happy, and you can use it indoors for several Christmases,” said Chris Greenwood, horticulturist for Armstrong Garden Centers.
Here are some tips from Chris Greenwood and Ted Mayeda, owner of M & M Nursery in Orange, for ensuring your tree’s health and longevity:
Key Tips for Maintaining a Living Christmas Tree
- Time Indoors: The most common cause of failure is keeping the tree indoors for too long. Greenwood suggests leaving it indoors no more than five to seven days, with 10 days as the maximum.
Proper Placement for Tree Health
“Place it in a bright location, preferably within 5 to 8 feet of an east-, south-, or west-facing window that has no outdoor obstructions,” Mayeda advised.
It’s also essential to keep your tree away from forced-air heating vents, as this will dry it out quickly. If possible, turn off the forced air in the room where the tree is located.
To prevent drying out and damage, spray the tree with an anti-transpirant like Cloudcover, which helps to reduce water loss through the needles.
Indoor Watering
- Water the tree evenly, but avoid overwatering. Greenwood recommends sprinkling ice cubes on the soil surface to slowly melt and seep into the root ball.
- Always place a saucer under the tree to catch moisture leakage and never let the pot sit in water to avoid root rot. You can use a turkey baster to remove excess water.
Lights on the Tree
- If using lights, opt for mini-lights, which don’t generate enough heat to damage the needles.
- Ensure the lights are wired in such a way that they don’t rest directly on the needles.
Note: Never flock a living Christmas tree.
After-Holiday Care
- Once the festivities end, move the tree outdoors to a full-sun location as soon as possible.
- If you plan to keep the tree in a container, transplant it to a larger pot before spring. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure it has room to grow.
- Feed the tree with a low-nitrogen, water-soluble fertilizer during spring and summer. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can cause fast, unwieldy growth.
“Once a living Christmas tree becomes too large, it makes a great addition to your landscape or can be donated to a public park or school,” Greenwood added.
Tree Maintenance Throughout the Year
- Keep the tree clean by washing the foliage and hosing off any dead needles that accumulate around the trunk.
- Prune the tree in June to maintain its shape and do further shaping in the fall to encourage lush foliage when the tree is brought indoors for the holidays.
Keep containerized trees well-watered, especially during the hot summer months.
In-Ground Planting
If you want your tree to become a permanent part of the landscape, choose a sunny spot with plenty of space, as many pine trees can grow very large.
For more information, contact:
Armstrong Garden Centers: (800) 557-5268 or www.armstronggarden.com
M & M Nursery: (714) 538-8042 or www.mmnursery.com
